bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapting virus filtration to enable intensified and continuous monoclonal antibody processing
Authors: Bohonak David M. , Mehta Ushma , Weiss Eric R. , Voyta Greg
Published: October 2020

Ongoing efforts in the biopharmaceutical industry to enhance productivity and reduce manufacturing costs include development of intensified, linked, and/or continuous processes. One approach to improve productivity and process economics of the polishing step (i.e., anion exchange chromatography) is to preconcentrate the product intermediate using a single‐pass tangential flow filtration step before loading on the resin. This intensification of the polishing step consequently leads to changes in product intermediate concentration for subsequent virus filtration operations, potentially impacting filter performance and methods for evaluating viral clearance. The filtrate flux performance of a virus filtration operation was evaluated with monoclonal antibody (mAb) solutions of varying concentrations. These data were used to evaluate the effect on filter sizing for a hypothetical mAb perfusion process. The optimum mAb concentration to minimize the area of the virus filter was a function of the filtration step duration and reflected the competing effects of increasing concentration and decreasing volumetric flux on the membrane productivity. mAb solutions at high and low concentrations were used to evaluate viral clearance with extended filtration times (e.g., 24–72 h) simulating continuous processing conditions. Modifications to more traditional filtration viral clearance study methods were required to avoid experimental artifacts associated with the extended filtration time. No virus passage through the filter was observed under these conditions, similar to previous results for batch processes. These data demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining effective virus removal even when mAb concentration and filtrations times are increased by up to an order of magnitude from current common practices.
A framework utilizing augmented reality to improve critical thinking ability and learning gain of the students in Physics
Authors: Faridi Harun , Tuli Neha , Mantri Archana , Singh Gurjinder , Gargrish Shubham
Published: October 2020

Physics is a branch of science that deals with different properties of energy and matter. Most of the principles of Physics are based on Mathematics, Mechanics, Optics, Electricity, Magnetism, and Thermodynamics. It is often difficult for students to grasp concepts as they cannot visualize the phenomena, resulting in compounding the problem of lack of interest in STEM subjects. Augmented reality (AR) can be effective in providing better visualization and interaction with real‐like three‐dimensional virtual objects that can ease the learning experience. In this paper, an AR‐based learning environment is developed to help students understand concepts of the magnetic field, electric current, electromagnetic waves, Maxwell's equations, and Fleming's rules for electromagnetism. An experimental study was conducted to determine the impact of AR intervention on student's learning and critical thinking capabilities. The study was conducted among 80 engineering students, who were distributed into two different groups: the AR teaching group (N = 40) and the conventional teaching group (N = 40). The AR teaching group was instructed through the AR‐based learning environment while the conventional teaching group students were taught using a conventional teaching approach. The experimental results indicate that the AR‐based learning environment has a significant positive impact on the critical thinking and learning gain of the students. The AR experience helped the students in visualizing the abstract concepts of Physics and enhanced their understanding.
Molecular and immunological associations of elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase in metastatic melanoma patients: A fresh look at an old biomarker
Authors: Fischer Grant M. , Carapeto Fernando C. L. , Joon Aron Y. , Haydu Lauren E. , Chen Huiqin , Wang Fuchenchu , Van Arnam John S. , McQuade Jennifer L. , Wani Khalida , Kirkwood John M. , Thompson John F. , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Lazar Alexander J. , Tawbi Hussein A. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Scolyer Richard A. , Long Georgina V. , Davies Michael A.
Published: October 2020

Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (sLDH) is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma (MM). It is currently unknown if sLDH elevation correlates with distinct molecular, metabolic, or immune features of melanoma metastases. The identification of such features may identify rational therapeutic strategies for patients with elevated sLDH. Thus, we obtained sLDH levels for melanoma patients with metastases who had undergone molecular and/or immune profiling. Our analysis of multi‐omics data from independent cohorts of melanoma metastases showed that elevated sLDH was not significantly associated with differences in immune cell infiltrate, point mutations, DNA copy number variations, promoter methylation, RNA expression, or protein expression in melanoma metastases. The only significant association observed for elevated sLDH was with the number of metastatic sites of disease. Our data support that sLDH correlates with disease burden, but not specific molecular or immunological phenotypes, in metastatic melanoma.
Survivor‐led relational psychotherapy and embodied trauma: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Forde Caroline , Duvvury Nata
Published: October 2020

Background

Childhood sexual abuse has complex and multifarious consequences for one's physical and mental health, including injuries and psychological illnesses such as depression (Psychological Bulletin, 99, 1986, 66; The SAVI Report. Sexual abuse and violence in Ireland. A national study of Irish experiences, beliefs and attitudes concerning sexual violence, 2002; Journal of Paediatric Health Care, 24, 2010, 358). In contrast to traditional psychotherapeutic approaches that focus on the treatment of disorders, humanistic integrative frameworks address the relational and neurobiological roots, and cumulative impact, of trauma (Rape: How women, the community and the health sector respond, 2007; The body remembers: The psychophysiology of trauma and trauma treatment, 2000). Quantitative research investigating the efficacy of these various therapies is gaining momentum (Campbell Systematic Reviews, 9, 2013, 3; Clinical Psychology Review, 34, 2014, 645; Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 203, 2015, 443), yet qualitative evidence on individuals' experiences, and analyses of a humanistic approach, are lacking.

Aim

This study sought to address these gaps by examining the role of Rape Crisis Centre (RCC) specialist psychotherapy in addressing the psychophysiological impact of child sexual abuse in Ireland.

Method

Semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 11 adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse accessing RCC therapy and 12 RCC psychotherapists. Interview questions focused on their experiences and perspectives of RCC therapy and recovery. Interview data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis.

Findings

The analysis showed that working with embodied trauma is integral to the recovery process, while providing salient insights into the complexity of the empowerment approach in trauma work. Recovery is survivor‐led, but it is the individual's somatic experience that guides the process, monitored by the psychotherapist.

Conclusions

This study makes an important contribution to trauma treatment research by detailing the lived experience of the recovery process. The findings enhance our understanding of the dynamics involved in processing the biological, psychological and social components of sexual abuse trauma. They also underscore the importance of a non‐directive relational approach. Implications for practice are discussed.
Anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa Induce Apoptosis in Caco‐2 Cells through Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wei Jie , Yu Wenchen , Hao Ruobing , Fan Jungang , Gao Jun
Published: October 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. In this study, the Caco‐2 in vitro cell model was used to study the effect and mechanism of Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott anthocyanins (AMA) on colon cancer. The experimental results showed that the binding energy of anthocyanins on β‐catenin was in the range of −5.92 to 4.95 kcal/mol, with good low energy parameters and binding positions. AMA can inhibit cell proliferation and cause cell cycle arrest. RT‐PCR and Western blot results showed that AMA can reduce cytoplasmic β‐catenin and inhibit the expression of related proteins in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. This study revealed the AMA inhibitory effect and mechanism of malignant biological behavior of Caco‐2 cells, in order to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer by Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott.
Radiation dose reduction for 3D angiography images in pediatric and congenital cardiology
Authors: Fetterly Kenneth A. , Ferrero Andrea , Lewis Brad R. , Anderson Jason H. , Hagler Donald J. , Taggart Nathaniel W.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of simulated reduced‐dose three‐dimensional angiography (3DA) on the accuracy and precision of linear measurements derived from 3DA datasets.

Background

Three‐dimensional angiography is performed during X‐ray guided interventional procedures to aid diagnosis and inform treatment strategies for children and adults with congenital heart disease. However, 3DA contributes substantially to patient radiation dose and may lead to an increased radiation‐induced cancer risk.

Methods

Reduced‐dose patient 3DA images were simulated by adding quantum noise to the 2D projection angiograms, then reconstructing the projection angiograms into the 3DA dataset. Dose reduction in the range 33–72% was simulated. Five observers performed 46 vessel diameter measurements along prespecified axes within 23 vessel segments from 11 patient 3DA datasets. Statistical tests were performed to assess the influence of radiation dose reduction on the accuracy and precision of vessel diameter measurements.

Results

Vessel diameter measurements were in the range 5.9– 22.7 mm. Considering all vessel segments and observers, the influence of dose level on the accuracy of diameter measurements was in the range 0.02 – 0.15 mm (p .05–.8). Interobserver variability increased modestly with vessel diameter, but was not influence by dose level (p = .52). The statistical test for observer recall bias was negative (p = .51).

Conclusions

Simulated dose reduction up to 72% did not affect the accuracy or precision of the diameter measurements acquired from 3DA images. These findings may embolden 3DA radiation dose reduction for pediatric and congenital heart disease patients.
Impact of atrial fibrillation on outcomes following MitraClip: A contemporary population‐based analysis
Authors: Saad Anas M. , Kassis Nicholas , Gad Mohamed M. , Abdelfattah Omar , Ahuja Keerat R. , Farwati Medhat , Isogai Toshiaki , Bazarbashi Najdat , Shekhar Shashank , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Despite the rising use of MC, the impact of preexisting AF, a common comorbidity, on short‐term postprocedural outcomes is poorly defined. We sought to assess outcomes between patients with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent percutaneous mitral valve repair with MitraClip (MC).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for patients who underwent MC between 2014–2017. Groups were stratified based on the presence of AF. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the association between AF and in‐hospital stroke and mortality.

Results

Of the 15,570 patients who underwent MC, 7,740 (49.7%) had AF. AF patients were older (82 vs. 79 years, p < .001) and more comorbid. Patients with AF relative to without AF demonstrated increased rates of in‐hospital ischemic (1.3% vs .0.7%, p < .001) and hemorrhagic stroke (0.3% vs. 0.1%, p = .007), longer duration of hospitalization (median 3 vs. 2 days, p < .001), and similar in‐hospital mortality (2.8% vs. 2.6%, p = .52). After adjusting for comorbidities, age, sex, hospital procedural volume, and CHA2DS2‐VASc, the presence of AF was associated with higher in‐hospital stroke (OR = 2.096, 95%CI[1.503–2.921], p < .001) but not in‐hospital mortality (OR = 1.012, 95%CI[0.828–1.238], p = .904). AF patients were more likely to be readmitted (16.8% vs.14.1%, p < .001) and die (1.5% vs. 0.9%, p = .005) within 30 days of discharge despite similar incidences of stroke (0.7% vs. 0.6%, p = .53).

Conclusions

The increased risk of in‐hospital stroke, 30‐day mortality, and longer hospitalization suggest the need for increased preprocedural optimization by means of stroke prevention strategies in those with AF undergoing MC.
Fast Screening Method for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction (NRR) Electrocatalytic Activity with Rotating Ring‐Disc Electrode (RRDE) Analysis in Alkaline Environment
Authors: Ferrara Marcello , Bevilacqua Manuela , Tavagnacco Claudio , Vizza Francesco , Fornasiero Paolo
Published: October 2020

The Haber‐Bosch process for NH3 production leads to a considerable greenhouse gas release due to the remarkable use of fossil fuels. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in developing alternative and environmental friendly approaches. Among the possible solutions, the electrocatalytic conversion of N2 has recently gained significant attention; on the other hand, not only scientific but also important technical aspects remain fundamental issues to be clarified. Particularly relevant is the need to improve the analytical protocols to ascertain that any detected NH3 is actually produced from N2 rather than from any external contaminations or partial decomposition of the catalyst itself. Here, a rotating ring‐disc electrode (RRDE) setup is used for the first time to study the N2 electroreduction process with the aim to recognize the product species formed at the disc and detected at the ring electrodes, respectively. We demonstrated that this experimental approach is effective to discern also a low‐level ammonium concentration through monitoring the ammonia oxidation peak at the ring electrode for a fast and preliminary electrocatalytic performance evaluation and to prevent false positives. The versatility of the RRDE method employed as a fingerprint of new electrocatalyst candidates could allow to reserve time and cost.
Titanium Oxide‐Confined Manganese Oxide for One‐Step Electrocatalytic Preparation of 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid in Acidic Media
Authors: Gao Lifang , Gan Shiyu , Ma Jinling , Sun Zhonghui , Liu Zhenbang , Zhong Lijie , Zhou Kai , Han Fangjie , Wang Wei , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: October 2020

The electrochemical conversion of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is an attractive strategy for producing sustainable substitutes for petroleum‐derived polymers. Developing acidic electrocatalysis system is of great significance for the separation of FDCA and improves the efficiency of the whole electrolyzer, which is limited by the availability of effective catalysts. Here, we report a TiOx@MnOx electrocatalyst, which can obtain FDCA precipitation in one‐step in acidic media. The TiOx@MnOx catalyst with the active MnOx species confined in the acid‐resistant TiOx nanowires, and obtained a consistent yield of FDCA precipitation in the continuous conversion of 100 mM HMF (∼24 % under the stoichiometric charge). Electrochemical impedance analyses and electrolysis experiments revealed that the catalytic performance of TiOx@MnOx is related to the concentration of HMF. Further research found that the electrolyzer, electrolysis potential, reaction temperature, and HMF concentration affect the yield and FE of FDCA. This work demonstrates TiOx@MnOx is a practical and inexpensive catalyst for the sustainable synthesis of FDCA in an acidic electrocatalysis system.
Synthesis, Structure and Properties of an Extra‐Large‐Pore Aluminosilicate Zeolite NUD‐6
Authors: Zi Wenwen , Cai Xianshu , Jiao Feng , Du Hongbin
Published: October 2020

Pure silica zeolites possessing uniform micropores, large surface area and high thermal and chemical stability have been widely studied and used in the fields of fine chemicals and oil industry. The incorporation of aluminium into the framework of silica zeolites changes their properties, making them more industrially useful as adsorbents and catalysts. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of an extra‐large‐pore aluminosilicate zeolite NUD‐6 with a 16‐membered‐ring pore channel. Aluminium was directly incorporated into the zeolite NUD‐6 framework, as confirmed by 27Al MAS NMR studies and ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption probes. Al‐NUD‐6 was not stable when heated at 550 °C to remove the organic templates. However, the organic templates in Al‐NUD‐6 could be removed by oxidation in nitric acid at room temperature. The obtained Al‐NUD‐6H retained the crystalline structure and possessed both micropores and mesopores despite the occurrence of severe structural distortions due to the presence of the corner‐sharing Q3 Si2O7 units. The incorporation of aluminium resulted in both medium and strong acid sites in Al‐NUD‐6H, and could facilitate its use in adsorption and catalysis.
A Survey of Strain‐Promoted Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition in Polymer Chemistry
Authors: Li Kelvin , Fong Darryl , Meichsner Eric , Adronov Alex
Published: October 2020

Highly efficient reactions that enable the assembly of molecules into complex structures have driven extensive progress in synthetic chemistry. In particular, reactions that occur under mild conditions and in benign solvents, while producing no by‐products and rapidly reach completion are attracting significant attention. Amongst these, the strain‐promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition, involving various cyclooctyne derivatives reacting with azide‐bearing molecules, has gained extensive popularity in organic synthesis and bioorthogonal chemistry. This reaction has also recently gained momentum in polymer chemistry, where it has been used to decorate, link, crosslink, and even prepare polymer chains. This survey highlights key achievements in the use of this reaction to produce a variety of polymeric constructs for disparate applications.
“Orthogonal‐Twisted‐Arm” Ligands for The Construction of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs): New Topology and Catalytic Reactivity
Authors: Zhao Kai , He Ying , Shan Chuan , Ren Junyu , Wojtas Lukasz , Wang Li , Li Guanghua , Song Zhiguang , Shi Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

Extended tetratopic benzoic acid ligands with “orthogonal‐twisted‐arms” conformations were designed and synthesized for the construction of new MOF structures (OTA‐MOF). Upon coordination with Cd2+ and Cu2+ cations, two well‐defined new MOFs were prepared. X‐ray single crystal structures were successfully obtained, demonstrating the formation of a new topology (4,4,4‐c). The OTA2‐MOF‐Cu gave moderate stability in organic solvents and good gas sorption ability toward CO2. This new MOF showed superior catalytic reactivity toward the epoxide‐CO2 cycloaddition, giving >50 folds yield enhancement over the controlled reaction without MOF. It is expected that this new ligand design, porous structure, and excellent CO2 catalytic reactivity will make OTA‐MOF promising new materials for applications in catalysis and separation.
Predictive classifier for intensive treatment of head and neck cancer
Authors: Zakeri Kaveh , Rotolo Federico , Lacas Benjamin , Vitzthum Lucas K. , Le Quynh‐Thu , Gregoire Vincent , Overgaard Jens , Hackshaw Allan , Zackrisson Björn , Parmar Mahesh K. B. , Burtness Barbara A. , Ghi Maria Grazia , Sanguineti Giuseppe , O’Sullivan Brian , Fortpied Catherine , Bourhis Jean , Shen Hanjie , Harris Jonathan , Michiels Stefan , Pignon Jean‐Pierre , Mell Loren K. ,   for the MARCH/MACH‐NC Collaborative Group and the Head and Neck Cancer Intergroup
Published: October 2020

Background

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the effectiveness of intensive treatment for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) depends on the proportion of patients' overall event risk attributable to cancer.

Methods

This study analyzed 22,339 patients with LAHNC treated in 81 randomized trials testing altered fractionation (AFX; Meta‐Analysis of Radiotherapy in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of Head and Neck [MARCH] data set) or chemotherapy (Meta‐Analysis of Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer [MACH‐NC] data set). Generalized competing event regression was applied to the control arms in MARCH, and patients were stratified by tertile according to the ω score, which quantified the relative hazard for cancer versus competing events. The classifier was externally validated on the MACH‐NC data set. The study tested for interactions between the ω score and treatment effects on overall survival (OS).

Results

Factors associated with a higher ω score were a younger age, a better performance status, an oral cavity site, higher T and N categories, and a p16‐negative/unknown status. The effect of AFX on OS was greater in patients with high ω scores (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85‐0.99) and medium ω scores (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84‐0.98) versus low ω scores (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90‐1.05; P for interaction = .086). The effect of chemotherapy on OS was significantly greater in patients with high ω scores (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75‐0.88) and medium ω scores (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78‐0.93) versus low ω scores (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.86‐1.08; P for interaction = .011).

Conclusions

LAHNC patients with a higher risk of cancer progression relative to competing mortality, as reflected by a higher ω score, selectively benefit from more intensive treatment.
Exploring Manually Curated Annotations of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins with DisProt
Authors: Quaglia Federica , Hatos András , Piovesan Damiano , Tosatto Silvio C. E.
Published: October 2020

DisProt is the major repository of manually curated data for intrinsically disordered proteins collected from the literature. Although lacking a stable tertiary structure under physiological conditions, intrinsically disordered proteins carry out a plethora of biological functions, some of them directly arising from their flexible nature. A growing number of scientific studies have been published during the last few decades in an effort to shed light on their unstructured state, their binding modes, and their functions. DisProt makes use of a team of expert biocurators to provide up‐to‐date annotations of intrinsically disordered proteins from the literature, making them available to the scientific community. Here we present a comprehensive description on how to use DisProt in different contexts and provide a detailed explanation of how to explore and interpret manually curated annotations of intrinsically disordered proteins. We describe how to search DisProt annotations, using both the web interface and the API for programmatic access. Finally, we explain how to visualize and interpret a DisProt entry, p53, a widely studied protein characterized by the presence of unstructured N‐terminal and C‐terminal regions. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Performing a search in DisProt

Support Protocol 1: Downloading options

Support Protocol 2: Programmatic access with DisProt REST API

Basic Protocol 2: Visualizing and interpreting DisProt entries: the p53 use case

Basic Protocol 3: Providing feedback and submitting new intrinsic disorder−related data
High‐performance implementation of a two‐bit geohash coding technique for nearest neighbor search
Authors: M Varalakshmi , Kesarkar Amit P. , Lopez Daphne
Published: October 2020

Insights from geohash coding algorithms introduce significant opportunities for various spatial applications. However, these algorithms require massive storage, complex bit manipulation, and extensive code modification when scaled to higher dimensions. In this article, we have developed a two‐bit geohash coding algorithm that divides the search space into four equal partitions where each partition is assigned a two‐bit label as 00, 01, 10, and 11, which helps to uniquely identify a chosen data point and the two neighbors on its either side, taken along a particular dimension. This salient feature of the algorithm simplifies the generation of geohash code for the neighboring grid cells. In addition, it achieves efficient memory utilization by storing the geohash values of the training points as integers. Demonstrated by experiments for climate data assimilation, model‐to‐observation space mapping with a geohash code length of 24 bits for Lat‐Lon extent of India has shown favorable results with an accuracy of 85%. Performance and scalability evaluation of the proposed algorithm, optimized for multicore and many‐core processors has shown significant speedups outperforming a tree‐based approach. This algorithm provides a foundation for new spatial statistical methods that can be used for pattern discovery and detection in spatial big data.
Analysis of Antigen‐Specific Human Memory B Cell Populations Based on In Vitro Polyclonal Stimulation
Authors: Nguyen‐Contant Phuong , Embong A. Karim , Topham David J. , Sangster Mark Y.
Published: October 2020

Antigen‐specific memory B cell (MBC) populations mediate the rapid, strong, and high‐affinity secondary antibody responses that play a key role in combating infection and generating protective responses to vaccination. Recently, cell staining with fluorochrome‐labeled antigens together with sequencing methods such as Drop‐seq and CITE‐seq have provided information on the specificity, phenotype, and transcriptome of single MBCs. However, characterization of MBCs at the level of antigen‐reactive populations remains an important tool for assessing an individual's B cell immunity and responses to antigen exposure. This is readily performed using a long‐established method based on in vitro polyclonal stimulation of MBCs to induce division and differentiation into antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs). Post‐stimulation antigen‐specific measurement of the MBC‐derived ASCs (or the secreted antibodies) indicates the size of precursor MBC populations. Additional information about the character of antigen‐reactive MBC populations is provided by analysis of MBC‐derived antibodies of particular specificities for binding avidity and functionality. This article outlines a simple and reliable strategy for efficient in vitro MBC stimulation and use of the ELISpot assay as a post‐stimulation readout to determine the size of antigen‐specific MBC populations. Other applications of the in vitro stimulation technique for MBC analysis are discussed. The following protocols are included. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Basic Protocol 1: Polyclonal stimulation of memory B cells using unfractionated PBMCs

Alternate Protocol: Stimulation of small PBMC numbers using 96‐well plates with U‐bottom wells

Basic Protocol 2: ELISpot assay for enumeration of memory B cell−derived antibody‐secreting cells
Social sustainable supply chains in the food industry: A perspective of an emerging economy
Authors: Khan Sharfuddin Ahmed , Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat , Kusi‐Sarpong Simonov , Zaman Syed Imran , Kazmi Syed Hasnain Alam
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify a list of important social sustainable supply chain indicators and determine the cause and effect group from the food sector of an emerging economy of Pakistan. The Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) based methodology is introduced to aid the evaluation of these indicators. The results show that the “balance between work and life” is the topmost influential and cause indicator among the cause group indicators. Similarly, a “safe and healthy working environment” is the topmost effect indicator among the effect group indicators. These results will inform managers and policy makers in the food sector, especially from the emerging economies such as Pakistan to formulate strategies that could aid in advancing social sustainability and transitioning towards a truly sustainable supply chain.
Determination of drugs in exhumed liver and brain tissue after over 9 years of burial by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry—Part 1: Cardiovascular drugs
Authors: Bolte Katarina , Dziadosz Marek , Kono Naomi , Vennemann Benedikt , Klintschar Michael , Teske Jörg
Published: October 2020

This paper presents analytical results of cardiovascular drugs that were determined in exhumed liver and brain tissue in a total of 115 cases. Exhumations were executed after 9.5–16.5 years of burial. Analysis was performed by solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography–electrospray mass spectrometry. Bisoprolol, verapamil, and xipamide could be proven in all cases in which these were supposedly administered within a defined time frame. Amiodarone was detectable in over 90%, amlodipine in over 80%, and cafedrine, clonidine, phenprocoumon, and torsemide in over 50% of relevant cases. By contrast, atropine, esmolol, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, and lisinopril were found in less than 50% of relevant cases, but nifedipine and nitrendipine were not detectable at all. The percentage of positive results for liver and brain tissue for the relevant administered drugs and corresponding postmortem periods are presented per analyte. Neither time since death nor stage of degradation was a reliable predictor of the success rate, as exemplarily shown for furosemide. The presented data may serve as a reference when deciding whether to exhume a corpse for forensic‐toxicological examinations in comparable cases.
Leaf traits and canopy structure together explain canopy functional diversity: an airborne remote sensing approach
Authors: Kamoske Aaron G. , Dahlin Kyla M. , Serbin Shawn P. , Stark Scott C.
Published: October 2020

Plant functional diversity is strongly connected to photosynthetic carbon assimilation in terrestrial ecosystems. However, many of the plant functional traits that regulate photosynthetic capacity, including foliar nitrogen concentration and leaf mass per area, vary significantly between and within plant functional types and vertically through forest canopies, resulting in considerable landscape‐scale heterogeneity in three dimensions. Hyperspectral imagery has been used extensively to quantify functional traits across a range of ecosystems but is generally limited to providing information for top of canopy leaves only. On the other hand, lidar data can be used to retrieve the vertical structure of forest canopies. Because these data are rarely collected at the same time, there are unanswered questions about the effect of forest structure on the three ‐dimensional spatial patterns of functional traits across ecosystems. In the United States, the National Ecological Observatory Network's Airborne Observation Platform (NEON AOP) provides an opportunity to address this structure‐function relationship by collecting lidar and hyperspectral data together across a variety of ecoregions. With a fusion of hyperspectral and lidar data from the NEON AOP and field‐collected foliar trait data, we assessed the impacts of forest structure on spatial patterns of N. In addition, we examine the influence of abiotic gradients and management regimes on top‐of‐canopy percent N and total canopy N (i.e., the total amount of N [g/m2] within a forest canopy) at a NEON site consisting of a mosaic of open longleaf pine and dense broadleaf deciduous forests. Our resulting maps suggest that, in contrast to top of canopy values, total canopy N variation is dampened across this landscape resulting in relatively homogeneous spatial patterns. At the same time, we found that leaf functional diversity and canopy structural diversity showed distinct dendritic patterns related to the spatial distribution of plant functional types.
Retracted: Niches of nine mangrove species in a Sonneratia apetala‐colonized area of Dongzhai Harbor, Hainan Island, China
Authors: Wu Feng , Liao Baowen , Chen Yujun , Jiang Zhongmao , Guo Yunpeng , Li Mei
Published: October 2020

The distribution of mangroves is influenced by the environment. We aimed to understand the ecological adaptability of various mangrove species within the range of the exotic species, Sonneratia apetala Buch.‐Ham., in Dongzhai Harbor, Hainan Island, China. We used three niche breadth indexes (Simpson, Levins, and Shannon–Weiner) and two niche overlap indexes (Pianka and Levins) to quantitatively determine the niche characteristics of nine mangrove species. The results showed that the order of the niche breadth values of mangrove species was as follows: Aegiceras corniculatum (Linn.) Blanco > Kandelia obovata Sheue et al. > Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Poir. > Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. Hailanci > S. apetala > S. caseolaris (L.) Engl. > Rhizophora stylosa Griff > Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C. B. Rob. > B. sexangula (Lour.) Poir. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the niche breadth of each population was significantly correlated with the importance value of the population in the whole sample (R1 = R2 = 0.771, R3 = 0.644, p < .05). The nine mangrove species were divided into three groups by Bray–Curtis cluster analysis; the groups were similar to the distribution of mangrove species in the natural state as determined by tide level. Niche similarity analysis showed that the niche similarity of most mangroves ranged between 0.5 and 0.8 and that the species pairs A. corniculatum–B. gymnorrhiza, A. corniculatum–Avicennia marina, and K. obovata–S. caseolaris were characterized by large niche similarity ratios. Although it had a moderate niche breadth, S. apetala had a relatively broad niche overlap with mangroves in the mid‐ and low‐tide zones (S. caseolaris, A. corniculatum, K. obovata, and Avicennia marina), a moderate overlap with B. gymnorrhiza and R. stylosa, only a slight overlap with C. tagal, and no overlap with B. sexangular. There was no obvious linear relationship between niche width and niche overlap of mangroves. Due to its inefficiency in utilizing certain resources and relatively high degree of resource selection, it seems likely that S. apetala will not pose a threat to the survival of native plants, let alone completely replace native species.
Local disturbance by muskrat, an ecosystem engineer, enhances plant diversity in regionally‐altered wetlands
Authors: Kua Zi Xun , Stella John C. , Farrell John M.
Published: October 2020

Biotic ecosystem engineers are increasingly recognized as important drivers of biodiversity, structure, and function in many ecosystems. By regulating physical processes and creating local disturbances, ecosystem engineers can serve as important elements of passive habitat restoration, as they continuously alter and shape their environments. Native to North American temperate wetlands, the common muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is an ecosystem engineer that alters its environment through herbivory, house and structure building, and creation of activity networks. While the physical consequences of muskrat disturbances are well‐known, few studies have quantified their impact on the wetland biotic community. We conducted a field study to investigate the effects of muskrat herbivory and structure building on plant biodiversity in wetlands along the upper St. Lawrence River (New York, USA) that have been extensively modified by long‐term water regulation and non‐native cattail invasion. Plant species richness and diversity were greater in muskrat‐disturbed areas compared to at‐large reference plots within the same wetlands. Soil saturation mediated the biodiversity impacts of muskrats, with intermediate moisture levels resulting in the highest species richness. These interacting drivers, muskrat activity and hydrology, had a compensatory effect on plant biodiversity loss associated with non‐native cattail invasion. Multivariate analysis indicated a distinct plant community associated with muskrat disturbances. Analysis of spatiotemporal patterns of house locations suggests that some muskrats reuse house locations in sequential years, likely amplifying the intensity and duration of their impacts. This study demonstrates that muskrat disturbance influences wetland plant diversity at scales relevant to regional drivers of plant diversity.
Mitochondrial genomes of Danish vertebrate species generated for the national DNA reference database, DNAmark
Authors: Margaryan Ashot , Noer Christina Lehmkuhl , Richter Stine Raith , Restrup Marlene Elise , Bülow‐Hansen Julie Lee , Leerhøi Frederik , Langkjær Emilia Marie Rolander , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Carøe Christian , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Bohmann Kristine
Published: October 2020

Biodiversity monitoring projects using environmental DNA techniques are becoming increasingly widespread. However, these techniques depend heavily on the quality and richness of the available DNA reference database against which the DNA sequences are queried. To create a comprehensive DNA sequence database for future DNA‐based biodiversity assessments in Denmark, a national DNA reference database, DNAmark, was established, which contains organellar and/or nuclear reference data from vouchered museum species of plants, animals, and fungi from Denmark. Here, we present full or partial mitochondrial genomes of 182 Danish vertebrate species representing ca. 22% of vertebrate species observed in Denmark. Further, we demonstrate that storage conditions of the specimens accounted for ca. 50% of the total variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) preservation while the age of museum specimens had little effect: ca. 4%. In addition, we roughly estimate the cost of sequencing to be 25 EUR per specimen for obtaining sufficient amounts of DNA reads (ca. 200‐fold coverage) for reliable mitogenome assemblies while also obtaining low coverage genomic data. The large number of mitogenomes of Danish vertebrate species represents the initial groundwork for DNA‐based biodiversity assessments of vertebrates in Denmark and paves the way for practitioners to freely choose mitochondrial DNA markers.
Fugitive Dust During Planting of Canola with an Air Seeder as a Source of Environmental Contamination for Pesticides Applied on Seed: A Case Study
Authors: Schaafsma Arthur W. , Limay-Rios Victor
Published: October 2020

The dispersion of clothianidin from treated seeds was studied in a commercial winter canola field. During planting, using a John Deere 1890 single disk air seeder, a proportion, an estimated 14.2 ± 2.9% (mean ± standard error), of the clothianidin that was applied to the seed escaped into the atmosphere from the seeder's exhaust. We suggest that this source of environmental contamination may be the main contributor that explains the off-target detection of neonicotinoid residues in soils and water near canola plantings better than movement from seed after it is placed in the soil, which is often proposed in the literature. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2420–2423. © 2020 SETAC
Multiuser context‐aware computation offloading in mobile edge computing based on Bayesian learning automata
Authors: Farahbakhsh Fariba , Shahidinejad Ali , Ghobaei‐Arani Mostafa
Published: October 2020

Today a lot of data sensed from the environment by the Internet of things applications. These data need to process with the lowest delay. Mobile devices (MDs) as ubiquitous tools are end devices in the network. These devices with limited resources cannot process all computations locally. Mobile edge computing (MEC) is a good architecture for processing computations in the network's edge. It solves the cloud challenges such as delay, energy, and cost. If MDs could not process the computations, they will offload tasks to the edge or cloud. Research shows that ignoring context information of application, requests, sensors, resources, and network tools cause to not complete the offloading method. In this article, we consider Bayesian learning automata (BLA) with considering context‐aware offloading in MEC with multiuser. BLA learns all states and actions in the network and helps us to improve the offloading algorithm. The contexts are collected using autonomous management as the monitor‐analysis‐plan‐execution loop in all offloading processes. The simulation results indicate that our method is superior to local computing and offload without considering context‐aware algorithms in some metrics such as energy consumption, execution cost, network usage, delay, and fairness.
Beamforming‐based random access protocol for massive MIMO systems
Authors: Mortaheb Matin , Abbasfar Aliazam
Published: October 2020

Massive multiple‐input multiple output (MIMO) systems provide a promising technology for the next generation of wireless communication systems (5G). In the present research, a novel random access (RA) protocol is proposed based on the beamforming properties to admit as many user equipment (UE) as possible, enhance the system performance, and manage the limited number of orthogonal pilots simultaneously. First of all, the proposed RA protocol is studied theoretically to find out formulas for average number of users who will have access to the base station (BS). The result shows the same number of UEs can access the BS as conventional protocols such as multichannel RA solutions. However, in contrary to the conventional protocols, the proposed protocol guaranties that the UEs are located in separate locations, thus, the signal to interference ratio (SINR) of the admitted users are enhanced in multiuser MIMO data transmission phase. A series of enhancements are then proposed to save the orthogonal pilots and to increase the average admitted users significantly. It is shown that, using our novel protocols, we can almost admit as many users as the number of antennas in the BS, using only a fraction of orthogonal pilots needed in conventional protocols.
Effects of early nutritional intervention by a nutritional support team for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy
Authors: Kono Michihisa , Wakisaka Risa , Kumai Takumi , Hayashi Ryusuke , Komatsuda Hiroki , Sato Ryosuke , Abe Yasushi , Yamaki Hidekiyo , Takahara Miki , Katada Akihiro , Hayashi Tatsuya , Harabuchi Yasuaki
Published: October 2020

Background

We analyzed the effects of early nutritional intervention by a nutritional support team (NST) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy.

Methods

This study investigated whether early nutritional interventions by a multidisciplinary NST improve body weight loss, mucositis, serum albumin level, and hospital length of stay.

Results

Sixty‐one patients with HNSCC were treated during the study, and 32 patients received NST intervention since admission. The median weight loss rates were 3.3% and 7.3% and grade 3 mucositis was observed in 25.0% and 70.0% of patients in the intervention and nonintervention groups, respectively. In the intervention group, serum albumin level through treatment increased and the hospital length of stay from the end of treatment was shortened.

Conclusion

Early nutritional intervention by a multidisciplinary NST improved body weight loss rate, mucositis, albumin level, and hospital length of stay, which might lead to better clinical outcomes.
MICA polymorphisms associated with antithyroid drug‐induced agranulocytosis in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Gong Xiaojuan , Chen Pu , Ma Pan , Gao Jiayang , Yang Jingsi , Guo Hui , Yan Chunxia , Zhang Bao , He Yayi
Published: October 2020

Background

Graves' disease (GD) is a clinical autoimmune thyroid disease. During the treatment of GD, antithyroid drug‐induced agranulocytosis (TIA) is a common and even life‐threatening adverse drug reaction. Previous studies suggested that susceptibility to TIA is strongly associated with HLA‐B*27:05, HLA‐B*38:02, and HLA‐DRB1*08:03 genetic variation and six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MICA genes.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to further study the associations between TIA, HLA‐B and MICA.

Materials & Methods

We genotyped MICA‐STR and MICA‐129 variants in 41 TIA and 308 control patients with GD and investigated the linkage effect among SNPs and short tandem repeat (STR) of MICA and HLA‐B alleles.

Results

The results showed that MICA*A5.1 was significantly associated with TIA (p = .007, odd ratio = 1.958, 95% confidence interval, 1.192–3.214). In addition, high linkage among MICA‐129 and six SNPs MICA and HLA‐B was detected, and two haplotypes (AAAACAAAAACGGCCTA and AACAAAAAAAACATTAA (p = 5.14E−07 and p = 3.42E−08, respectively)) were significantly associated with TIA. Furthermore, when we analyzed only MICA‐129 and HLA‐B separately, the haplotypes (AAAACAAAAAA with p = 2.49E−07 and AACAAAAAAAA with p = 2.14E−09) were identified with more significant effects. MICA‐129 was completely linked to six SNPs with haplotypes ACATTACA (p = 2.05E−05) significantly associated with TIA.

Conclusion

These data indicated that there was a significant linkage effect between MICA‐129 and other alleles, suggesting that they exert interactive effects as risk factors for the development of TIA.
Pathological complete response after nivolumab therapy following angiogenesis inhibitors in a patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hagimoto Hiroki , Kashima Soki , Doi Kazuki , Nakayama Shintaro , Sano Takanori , Imai Satoshi , Yasufuku Tomihiko , Muramaki Mototsugu , Yamada Yuji
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Nivolumab is effective for advanced renal cell carcinoma; however, reports are limited wherein nivolumab is combined with sequential therapy of angiogenesis inhibitors and metastasectomy.

Case presentation

A 65‐year‐old man was diagnosed with left renal cell carcinoma of cT2aN0M1 with lung metastasis. The patient underwent nephrectomy and sequential therapy with interferon‐α and angiogenesis inhibitors. Lung metastasis decreased by angiogenesis inhibitors, but new right adrenal gland metastasis appeared. Nivolumab as the fifth systemic therapy remarkably shrank the metastasis. After discontinuing nivolumab therapy, the metastasis continued to shrink. The patient underwent adrenalectomy, and pathological analysis revealed no remnant cancer cells in the specimen, confirming a pathological complete response. Twenty months postoperatively, he remains in good health without recurrence.

Conclusion

We report a rare case with renal cell carcinoma of a pathological complete response by nivolumab after angiogenesis inhibitors.
Applied behavior analysis measurement, assessment, and treatment of sleep and sleep‐related problems
Authors: Luiselli James K.
Published: October 2020

This discussion article considers applied behavior analysis measurement, assessment, and treatment of sleep and sleep‐related problems among infants, children, and youth who are typically developing and have neurodevelopmental disabilities. Measurement has concentrated on designing practitioner‐implemented methods and improving fidelity of data recording through sleep‐monitoring instrumentation. The emphasis of assessment is identifying antecedent and consequence variables that promote sleep and evoke and maintain sleep‐related problems. Treatment research has evaluated several effective interventions for problems such as delayed sleep‐onset, night and early morning waking, bedtime resistance, and unwanted co‐sleeping. Early and contemporary applied behavior analysis research is reviewed relative to function‐based treatment formulation, intervention integrity, social validity, and research‐to‐practice translation.