bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of monocot and dicot plant development with constitutively active alleles of phytochrome B
Authors: Hu Wei , Figueroa‐Balderas Rosa , Chi‐Ham Cecilia , Lagarias J. Clark
Published: April 2020

The constitutively active missense allele of Arabidopsis phytochrome B, AtPHYBY276H or AtYHB, encodes a polypeptide that adopts a light‐insensitive, physiologically active conformation capable of sustaining photomorphogenesis in darkness. Here, we show that the orthologous OsYHB allele of rice phytochrome B (OsPHYBY283H) also encodes a dominant “constitutively active” photoreceptor through comparative phenotypic analyses of AtYHB and OsYHB transgenic lines of four eudicot species, Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco), Nicotiana sylvestris and Solanum lycopersicum cv. MicroTom (tomato), and of two monocot species, Oryza sativa ssp. japonica and Brachypodium distachyon. Reciprocal transformation experiments show that the gain‐of‐function constitutive photomorphogenic (cop) phenotypes by YHB expression are stronger in host plants within the same class than across classes. Our studies also reveal additional YHB‐dependent traits in adult plants, which include extreme shade tolerance, both early and late flowering behaviors, delayed leaf senescence, reduced tillering, and even viviparous seed germination. However, the strength of these gain‐of‐function phenotypes depends on the specific combination of YHB allele and species/cultivar transformed. Flowering and tillering of OsYHB‐ and OsPHYB‐expressing lines of rice Nipponbare and Kitaake cultivars were compared, also revealing differences in YHB/PHYB allele versus genotype interaction on the phenotypic behavior of the two rice cultivars. In view of recent evidence that the regulatory activity of AtYHB is not only light insensitive but also temperature insensitive, selective YHB expression is expected to yield improved agronomic performance of both dicot and monocot crop plant species not possible with wild‐type PHYB alleles.
Bioequivalence and pharmacodynamics of a generic dabigatran etexilate capsule in healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Lihua , Xu Bing , Xiang Qian , Li Yuan , Zhang Ping , Wang Yangyang , Xie Qiufen , Mao Yong , Cui Yimin
Published: April 2020

To assess bioequivalence of a generic dabigatran etexilate capsule in healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and fed conditions. This was an open‐label, single‐center, randomized four‐period crossover study with a 7‐day washout period. A single oral dose of 150 mg generic dabigatran etexilate capsule (test drug) or a commercial dabigatran etexilate capsule (Pradaxa®, reference drug) was given to healthy volunteers under the fasting and fed conditions. Plasma concentrations of total and free dabigatran were detected using a validated HPLC‐MS/MS method. A noncompartmental method was used for pharmacokinetic analysis and established coagulation assays were applied for pharmacodynamic analysis. The 90% CIs of the test/reference ratios of Cmax, AUC0‐t, and AUC0‐∞ for the total dabigatran concentration were 92.57%‐106.58%, 91.63%‐106.32%, and 92.54%‐106.17%, respectively, under fasting condition, and 99.30%‐110.74%, 98.58%‐105.37%, and 97.75%‐103.99%, respectively, under fed conditions. The 90% CIs of the ratios of the parameters for the free dabigatran were 93.18%‐106.98%, 92.13%‐107.10%, 92.89%‐106.48%, respectively, under fasting condition, and 100.05%‐110.89%, 99.37%‐106.23%, 97.59%‐103.98%, respectively, under the fed condition. Additionally, the upper limit of the 90% CIs for σWT/σWR was below 2.5. There were no significant differences in the coagulation parameters including thrombin clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and anti‐IIa activity between the two preparations. The generic dabigatran etexilate capsule is bioequivalent to the brand‐named product in healthy Chinese volunteers under fasting and fed conditions. The two products have comparable pharmacodynamic parameters, with a good safety profile. In addition, food intake influences absorption of both products in a similar way.
Multiple moves and return migration within developing countries: A comparative analysis
Authors: Cattaneo Andrea , Robinson Sherman
Published: April 2020

This paper sheds new light on internal migration processes by estimating stylized migration histories for populations in 31 countries. The focus is on repeat migration and on return migration back to rural areas from urban areas. Migration histories are portrayed by introducingmigration pathway matrices, representing the shares of the population (by gender) that have moved or stayed in rural and urban areas over three periods (childhood and two forward periods). Using data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), the estimation of national migration pathway matrices was done with an information‐theoretic procedure using maximum‐entropy econometrics to estimate migration frequencies by population groups. Moving multiple times is found to be a consolidated practice in all countries analysed. Sizeable urban‐to‐rural migration flows are found, with rural returnees often contributing substantially to these flows. This phenomenon is more pronounced in countries in relatively early phases of economic development and among male migrants. For the sample of countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, on average, 51% of men and 32% of women migrating from urban to rural areas are return migrants who lived in rural areas as children. Results indicate many migrants move multiple times: In the overall sample of countries, at least 43% of men and 36% of women who move once will move a second time (or more), accounting for nearly 120 million individuals. We find large differences in migration histories across genders, with these differences tending to be smaller for countries that are further along their economic development path and more urbanised.
A hybrid approach for predictive soil property mapping using conventional soil survey data
Authors: Nauman Travis W. , Duniway Michael C.
Published: April 2020

Soil property maps are important for land management and earth systems modeling. A new hybrid point‐disaggregation predictive soil property mapping strategy improved mapping in the Colorado River basin by increasing sample size approximately sixfold and can be applied to other areas with similar data, including the conterminous United States. Random forests related environmental raster layers representing soil‐forming factors with samples to predict pH, texture fractions, rock, electrical conductivity (ec), gypsum, CaCO3, sodium adsorption ratio (sar), available water capacity (awc), bulk density (dbovendry), erodibility (kwfact), and organic matter (om) at seven depths as well as depth to restrictive layer (resdept) and surface rock size and cover. Cross‐validation R2 values averaged .53 (range, .20–.76). Mean absolute errors ranged from 3 to 98% of training data averages (mean, 41%). Models of pH, om, and ec had the best accuracy (R2 > .6). Most texture fractions, CaCO3, and SAR models had R2 values from .5 to .6. Models of kwfact, dbovendry, resdept, rock models, gypsum, and awc had R2 values from .4 to .5; near‐surface models tended to perform better. Very‐fine sands and 200‐cm estimates for other models generally performed poorly (R2 = .2–.4), and sample size for the 200‐cm models was too low for reliable model building. Uncertainty estimates were also developed by creating relative prediction intervals, which allow end users to evaluate uncertainty easily. Average error increased in areas with higher relative prediction intervals (higher uncertainty), which also had low sampling densities, suggesting that additional sampling in these areas may improve prediction accuracy. Greater uncertainty was observed in areas with highly stratified shale parent materials and physiographic settings uncommon relative to the broader study area.
Learn to build an engaging mobile communication strategy
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Effective electronic communication with students has become more essential than ever, especially in this age of social distancing triggered by the COVID‐19 crisis. But today's generation of students tends to open emails less often, which can be frustrating when you just need them to fill out a form you've re‐sent multiple times, said Elizabeth Leslie, Account Manager for the GuidebookEDU team. The former student affairs practitioner spoke at the annual convention for the American College Personnel Association.
Did court reinstate police officer fired for unnecessarily showing his gun?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: April 2020

The plaintiff was a University of Illinois at Chicago police officer.
Toward High‐Dimensional Single‐Cell Analysis of Graphene Oxide Biological Impact: Tracking on Immune Cells by Single‐Cell Mass Cytometry
Authors: Orecchioni Marco , Bordoni Valentina , Fuoco Claudia , Reina Giacomo , Lin Hazel , Zoccheddu Martina , Yilmazer Acelya , Zavan Barbara , Cesareni Gianni , Bedognetti Davide , Bianco Alberto , Delogu Lucia Gemma
Published: April 2020

Considering the potential exposure to graphene, the most investigated nanomaterial, the assessment of the impact on human health has become an urgent need. The deep understanding of nanomaterial safety is today possible by high‐throughput single‐cell technologies. Single‐cell mass cytometry (cytometry by time‐of flight, CyTOF) shows an unparalleled ability to phenotypically and functionally profile complex cellular systems, in particular related to the immune system, as recently also proved for graphene impact. The next challenge is to track the graphene distribution at the single‐cell level. Therefore, graphene oxide (GO) is functionalized with AgInS2 nanocrystals (GO–In), allowing to trace GO immune–cell interactions via the indium (115In) channel. Indium is specifically chosen to avoid overlaps with the commercial panels (>30 immune markers). As a proof of concept, the GO–In CyTOF tracking is performed at the single‐cell level on blood immune subpopulations, showing the GO interaction with monocytes and B cells, therefore guiding future immune studies. The proposed approach can be applied not only to the immune safety assessment of the multitude of graphene physical and chemical parameters, but also for graphene applications in neuroscience. Moreover, this approach can be translated to other 2D emerging materials and will likely advance the understanding of their toxicology.
TiO2 Nanoparticles and Commensal Bacteria Alter Mucus Layer Thickness and Composition in a Gastrointestinal Tract Model
Authors: Limage Rhodesherdeline , Tako Elad , Kolba Nikolai , Guo Zhongyuan , García‐Rodríguez Alba , Marques Cláudia N. H. , Mahler Gretchen J.
Published: April 2020

Nanoparticles (NPs) are used in food packaging and processing and have become an integral part of many commonly ingested products. There are few studies that have focused on the interaction between ingested NPs, gut function, the mucus layer, and the gut microbiota. In this work, an in vitro model of gastrointestinal (GI) tract is used to determine whether, and how, the mucus layer is affected by the presence of Gram‐positive, commensal Lactobacillus rhamnosus; Gram‐negative, opportunistic Escherichia coli; and/or exposure to physiologically relevant doses of pristine or digested TiO2 NPs. Caco‐2/HT29‐MTX‐E12 cell monolayers are exposed to physiological concentrations of bacteria (expressing fluorescent proteins) and/or TiO2 nanoparticles for a period of 4 h. To determine mucus thickness and composition, cell monolayers are stained with alcian blue, periodic acid schiff, or an Alexa Fluor 488 conjugate of wheat germ agglutinin. It is found that the presence of both bacteria and nanoparticles alter the thickness and composition of the mucus layer. Changes in the distribution or pattern of mucins can be indicative of pathological conditions, and this model provides a platform for understanding how bacteria and/or NPs may interact with and alter the mucus layer.
Inflammation Increases Susceptibility of Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells to Pneumonic Nanotoxicity
Authors: Wu Zhuoran , Shi Pujiang , Lim Hong Kit , Ma Yiyuan , Setyawati Magdiel Inggrid , Bitounis Dimitrios , Demokritou Philip , Ng Kee Woei , Tay Chor Yong
Published: April 2020

Exposure to inhaled anthropogenic nanomaterials (NM) with dimension <100 nm has been implicated in numerous adverse respiratory outcomes. Although studies have identified key NM physiochemical determinants of pneumonic nanotoxicity, the complex interactive and cumulative effects of NM exposure, especially in individuals with preexisting inflammatory respiratory diseases, remain unclear. Herein, the susceptibility of primary human small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) exposed to a panel of reference NM, namely, CuO, ZnO, mild steel welding fume (MSWF), and nanofractions of copier center particles (Nano‐CCP), is examined in normal and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α)‐induced inflamed SAEC. Compared to normal SAEC, inflamed cells display an increased susceptibility to NM‐induced cytotoxicity by 15–70% due to a higher basal level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Among the NM screened, ZnO, CuO, and Nano‐CCP are observed to trigger an overcompensatory response in normal SAEC, resulting in an increased tolerance against subsequent oxidative insults. However, the inflamed SAEC fails to adapt to the NM exposure due to an impaired nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐mediated cytoprotective response. The findings reveal that susceptibility to pulmonary nanotoxicity is highly dependent on the interplay between NM properties and inflammation of the alveolar milieu.
15 Years of Small: Research Trends in Nanosafety
Authors: Zhu Shuang , Li Lele , Gu Zhanjun , Chen Chunying , Zhao Yuliang
Published: April 2020

In the field of nano‐ and microscale science and technology, Small has become one of the worldwide leading journals since its initiation 15 years ago. Among all the topics covered in Small, “nanosafety” has received growing interest over the years, which accounts for a large proportion of the total publications of Small. Herein, inspired by its coming Special Issue “Rethinking Nanosafety,” a general bibliometric overview of the nanosafety studies that have been published in Small is presented. Using the data derived from the Web of Science Core Collection, the annual publication growth, most influential countries/institutions as well as the visualized collaborations between different countries and institutions based on CiteSpace software are presented. A special emphasis on the impact of the previous Special Issue from Small that is related to nanosafety research is given and the research trend from the most highly cited papers during last 15 years is analyzed. Lastly, future research directions are also proposed.
Applying artificial bee colony algorithm to the multidepot vehicle routing problem
Authors: Gu Zhaoquan , Zhu Yan , Wang Yuexuan , Du Xiaojiang , Guizani Mohsen , Tian Zhihong
Published: April 2020

With advanced information technologies and industrial intelligence, Industry 4.0 has been witnessing a large scale digital transformation. Intelligent transportation plays an important role in the new era and the classic vehicle routing problem (VRP), which is a typical problem in providing intelligent transportation, has been drawing more attention in recent years. In this article, we study multidepot VRP (MDVRP) that considers the management of the vehicles and the optimization of the routes among multiple depots, making the VRP variant more meaningful. In addressing the time efficiency and depot cooperation challenges, we apply the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm to the MDVRP. To begin with, we degrade MDVRP to single‐depot VRP by introducing depot clustering. Then we modify the ABC algorithm for single‐depot VRP to generate solutions for each depot. Finally, we propose a coevolution strategy in depot combination to generate a complete solution of the MDVRP. We conduct extensive experiments with different parameters and compare our algorithm with a greedy algorithm and a genetic algorithm (GA). The results show that the ABC algorithm has a good performance and achieve up to 70% advantage over the greedy algorithm and 3% advantage over the GA.
“We Are Stories”: Centering Picturebooks in the Reading Support Class
Authors: Wissman Kelly K.
Published: April 2020

The author explores the Names, Journeys, and Dreams project, in which culturally and linguistically diverse learners and their families engaged with picturebooks that inspired dialogic conversations, authentic writing, and family–school connections. The author provides four recommendations for incorporating picturebooks within the reading support class with diverse learners: enter the storyworld together, make families the curriculum, value multiple languages, and celebrate students as authors. Alongside sustained and reciprocal family engagement efforts that position families as instructional resources, centering diverse picturebooks within the intervention setting can help students grow more fully into their identities as readers, writers, and dreamers.
Colloid transport through soil and other porous media under transient flow conditions—A review
Authors: Wang Chaozi , Wang Ruoyu , Huo Zailin , Xie En , Dahlke Helen E.
Published: April 2020

Understanding colloid transport in porous media under transient‐flow conditions is crucial in understanding contaminant transport in soil or the vadose zone where flow conditions vary constantly. In this article, we provide a review of experimental studies, numerical approaches, and new technologies available to determine the transport of colloids in transient flow. Experiments indicate that soil structure and preferential flow are primary factors. In undisturbed soils with preferential flow pathways, macropores serve as main conduits for colloid transport. In homogeneously packed soil, the soil matrix often serves as filter. At the macroscale, transient flow facilitates colloid transport by frequently disturbing the force balance that retains colloids in the soil as indicated by the offset between colloid breakthrough peaks and discharge peaks. At the pore‐scale and under saturated condition, straining, and attachment at solid–water interfaces are the main mechanisms for colloid retention. Variably saturated conditions add more complexity, such as immobile water zones, film straining, attachment to air–water interfaces, and air–water–solid contact lines. Filter ripening, size exclusion, ionic strength, and hydrophobicity are identified as the most influential factors. Our review indicates that microscale and continuum‐scale models for colloid transport under transient‐flow conditions are rare, compared to the numerous steady‐state models. The few transient flow models that do exist are highly parameterized and suffer from a lack of a priori information of required pore‐scale parameters. However, new techniques are becoming available to measure colloid transport in real‐time and in a nondestructive way that might help to better understand transient flow colloid transport.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water Quality
It is about time: Conceptual and experimental evaluation of the temporal cognitive mechanisms in mental time travel
Authors: Martin‐Ordas Gema
Published: April 2020

Mental time travel (MTT) is the ability that allows humans to mentally project themselves backwards in time to remember past events (i.e., episodic memory) or forwards in time to imagine future events (i.e., future thinking). Despite empirical evidence showing that animals might possess MTT abilities, some still claim that this ability is uniquely human. Recent debates have suggested that it is the temporal cognitive mechanism (i.e., ability to represent the sense of past and future) that makes MTT uniquely human. Advances in the field have been constrained by a lack of comparative data, methodological shortcomings that prevent meaningful comparisons, and a lack of clear conceptualizations of the temporal cognitive mechanism. Here I will present a comprehensive review into MTT in humans and animals—with a particular focus on great apes. I will examine three of the most prominent and influential theoretical models of human MTT. Drawing on these accounts, I suggest that a basic way of understanding time might be shared across species, however culture and language will play a critical role at shaping the way we elaborate mental representations about past and future events.

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Psychology > Comparative Psychology
Between Adoption and Resistance: China’s Efforts of ‘Understanding the West’, the Challenges of Transforming Monarchical Legitimacy and the Rise of Oriental Exceptionalism, 1860–1910
Authors: Müller Christian
Published: April 2020

Qing officials and intellectuals were interested in European concepts of law, statehood, society, and the individual after China’s conflicting encounter with the ‘West’ in the two ‘Opium Wars’. The Marxist narrative of the Qing decline and the new Belt and Road programme ideologically highlight the lost harmonious vision of a Chinese world order facing European imperialism. As both interpretations do not pay adequate attention to Chinese adoptions of the ‘West’, this article argues that Chinese functional adoption of Western concepts served a Western-style ‘modernisation’ as long as it did not undermine the monarchical legitimacy of the Qing dynasty. Active Chinese import of ‘Western’ concepts to further modernise China only encountered official resilience when the concepts could undermine monarchical legitimacy and revolutionise the Empire.
Selective stimulation of colonic L cells improves metabolic outcomes in mice
Authors: Lewis Jo E. , Miedzybrodzka Emily L. , Foreman Rachel E. , Woodward Orla R. M. , Kay Richard G. , Goldspink Deborah A. , Gribble Fiona M. , Reimann Frank
Published: April 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Insulin-like peptide-5 (INSL5) is found only in distal colonic L cells, which co-express glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). GLP-1 is a well-known insulin secretagogue, and GLP-1 and PYY are anorexigenic, whereas INSL5 is considered orexigenic. We aimed to clarify the metabolic impact of selective stimulation of distal colonic L cells in mice.

Methods

Insl5 promoter-driven expression of Gq-coupled Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) was employed to activate distal colonic L cells (LdistalDq). IPGTT and food intake were assessed with and without DREADD activation.

Results

LdistalDq cell stimulation with clozapine N-oxide (CNO; 0.3 mg/kg i.p.) increased plasma GLP-1 and PYY (2.67- and 3.31-fold, respectively); INSL5 was not measurable in plasma but was co-secreted with GLP-1 and PYY in vitro. IPGTT (2 g/kg body weight) revealed significantly improved glucose tolerance following CNO injection. CNO-treated mice also exhibited reduced food intake and body weight after 24 h, and increased defecation, the latter being sensitive to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor 3 inhibition. Pre-treatment with a GLP1 receptor-blocking antibody neutralised the CNO-dependent improvement in glucose tolerance but did not affect the reduction in food intake, and an independent group of animals pair-fed to the CNO-treatment group demonstrated attenuated weight loss. Pre-treatment with JNJ-31020028, a neuropeptide Y receptor type 2 antagonist, abolished the CNO-dependent effect on food intake. Assessment of whole body physiology in metabolic cages revealed LdistalDq cell stimulation increased energy expenditure and increased activity. Acute CNO-induced food intake and glucose homeostasis outcomes were maintained after 2 weeks on a high-fat diet.

Conclusions/interpretation

This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that selective distal colonic L cell stimulation has beneficial metabolic outcomes.
A parametric study of 3D printed polymer gears
Authors: Zhang Ye , Mao Ken , Leigh Simon , Shah Akeel , Chao Zhiming , Ma Guotao
Published: April 2020

The selection of printing parameters for 3D printing can dramatically affect the dynamic performance of components such as polymer spur gears. In this paper, the performance of 3D printed gears has been optimised using a machine learning process. A genetic algorithm (GA)–based artificial neural network (ANN) multi-parameter regression model was created. There were four print parameters considered in 3D printing process, i.e. printing temperature, printing speed, printing bed temperature and infill percentage. The parameter setting was generated by the Sobol sequence. Moreover, sensitivity analysis was carried out in this paper, and leave-one cross validation was applied to the genetic algorithm-based ANN which showed a relatively accurate performance in predictions and performance optimisation of 3D printed gears. Wear performance of 3D printed gears increased by 3 times after optimised parameter setting was applied during their manufacture.
Simultaneous planning for disaster road clearance and distribution of relief goods: a basic model and an exact solution method
Authors: Briskorn Dirk , Kimms Alf , Olschok Denis
Published: April 2020

In recent years, more and more disasters occurred. Additionally, the amount of people affected by disasters increased. Because of this, it is of great importance to perform the relief operations efficiently in order to alleviate the suffering of the disaster victims. Immediately after the occurrence of a disaster, there is an urgent need for delivering relief goods to demand locations and affected regions, respectively. Due to roads being blocked or damaged by debris, some demand locations may be out of reach and therefore the delivery of relief goods is hampered. This paper investigates the basic problem of simultaneously unblocking roads in order to make demand locations accessible and delivering relief goods in order to satisfy demand. Strict deadlines for the delivery of relief goods are considered at the demand locations. A formal problem statement is provided, and its computational complexity is analyzed. Additionally, a mixed integer programming model is developed and an exact solution method based on a branch and bound approach is proposed. A computational study investigating the performance of the model formulation and the branch and bound algorithm is conducted.
Probing the protein corona around charged macromolecules: interpretation of isothermal titration calorimetry by binding models and computer simulations
Authors: Xu Xiao , Dzubiella Joachim
Published: April 2020

Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a widely used tool to experimentally probe the heat signal of the formation of the protein corona around macromolecules or nanoparticles. If an appropriate binding model is applied to the ITC data, the heat of binding and the binding stoichiometry as well as the binding affinity per protein can be quantified and interpreted. However, the binding of the protein to the macromolecule is governed by complex microscopic interactions. In particular, due to the steric and electrostatic protein–protein interactions within the corona as well as cooperative, charge renormalization effects of the total complex, the application of standard (e.g., Langmuir) binding models is questionable and the development of more appropriate binding models is very challenging. Here, we discuss recent developments in the interpretation of the Langmuir model applied to ITC data of protein corona formation, exemplified for the well-defined case of lysozyme coating highly charged dendritic polyglycerol sulfate (dPGS), and demonstrate that meaningful data can be extracted from the fits if properly analyzed. As we show, this is particular useful for the interpretation of ITC data by molecular computer simulations where binding affinities can be calculated but it is often not clear how to consistently compare them with the ITC data. Moreover, we discuss the connection of Langmuir models to continuum binding models (where no discrete binding sites have to be assumed) and their possible extensions toward the inclusion of leading order cooperative electrostatic effects.
A review of the 8th edition of the AJCC staging system for oropharyngeal cancer according to HPV status
Authors: Machczyński Piotr , Majchrzak Ewa , Niewinski Patryk , Marchlewska Joanna , Golusiński Wojciech
Published: April 2020

Background

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased substantially in recent decades, particularly p16-positive human papillomavirus (HPV)-related OPSCC, which has risen by 50% in western countries. HPV-positivity is the most favourable non-anatomic predictor of oropharyngeal cancer outcomes, which underscores the importance of incorporating this variable into the cancer staging system.

Methods

In the present article, we review the differences between the 7th and 8th editions of the AJCC staging system, with particular focus on the role of HPV-positivity in patients with head and neck cancer.

Results

In the previous edition (7th edition) of the AJCC/UICC manual, HPV status and its correlation with nodal metastasis were not considered, thereby leading to incorrect lymph node (N) staging and, potentially, inadequate treatment and worse outcomes. The 8th edition of the AJCC manual addresses these issues, providing more accurate discrimination between groups and better risk stratification in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. In the future, additional adjustments are likely to be needed, such as unification of the pathological and clinical staging models.

Conclusions

The new staging system is substantially more accurate than the previous system and should be widely adopted in routine clinical practice.
Validation of the German Version of Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS-G) for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
Authors: Hamzic Samra , Braun Tobias , Juenemann Martin , Butz Marius , Voswinckel Robert , Belly Michael , Vogelbusch Oliver , Weber Susanne , Khilan Hasan , Kaps Manfred , Gerriets Tibo
Published: April 2020

The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) is the most frequently used scale for the evaluation of functional oral intake by dysphagia patients. FOIS was validated using data from Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS). Until now, a validated German version of FOIS for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is lacking. The aim of this study was a cross-cultural validation of the German version of FOIS (FOIS-G) for FEES. The translation of the original FOIS was carried out according to the Translation, Review, Adjudication, Pretesting, Documentation (TRAPD) translation methodology. For the validation process, six experienced language therapists (SLT) retrospectively analyzed charts of 93 stroke patients. Inclusion criteria were comprised of stroke, clinical examination by an SLT within 24 h of admission, and FEES within 72 h of admission. The validity was calculated by comparison with Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), Barthel Index (BI), the Penetration-Aspiration-Scale (PAS), and a water swallow test. Spearman rank correlation of all paired raters ranged from rs = 0.96 to rs = 0.99, and percentage agreement ranged from 81 to 94%. The overall agreement between all raters was calculated by Fleiss kappa (0.83) (s.e. 0.02). There is a significant correlation between the BI and the MRS with the FOIS-G (rs = 0.301, p = 0.003 for BI; rs = – 0.366, p < 0.001 for MRS), between the PAS and the FOIS-G (rs = − 0.758, p < 0.001), as well as between the 70 ml-water-test and the FOIS-G (rs = 0.470, p < 0.001). FOIS-G is a valid instrument for the evaluation of the functional oral intake of food and liquids in dysphagia patients.
Investigation of fluctuations in blood glucose level due to dietary restrictions during impacted mandibular third molar extraction under intravenous sedation: effect of perioperative glucose administration
Authors: Sekine Mio , Tomita Yuya , Iguchi Asami , Fujii Kazuyuki
Published: April 2020

Objective

We aimed to investigate the usefulness of glucose administration for maintaining perioperative glycemic control in patients with dietary restrictions during 4 h prior to impacted mandibular third molar extraction under intravenous sedation.

Methods

Fifty-four individuals scheduled to undergo extraction of impacted mandibular third molars under intravenous sedation, with preoperative blood glucose levels (GL) of 70–110 mg/dL, were evaluated and divided into 3 groups (n = 18 each): control group receiving glucose-free sodium lactate Ringer’s solution, perioperative GL group receiving 100 mL of 5% glucose solution immediately after local anesthesia, and postoperative GL group receiving 100 mL of 5% glucose solution immediately after surgery completion. Blood glucose levels, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were measured.

Results

Glucose levels of those in the control and perioperative GL groups decreased within the standard range 90 min after surgery, compared with the preoperative blood glucose level. However, in the postoperative GL group, glucose levels were similar to the preoperative levels. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were not affected by glucose administration, and sedation could be maintained without an invasive procedure.

Conclusions

Following a restriction on eating and drinking 4 h prior to surgery, the blood glucose level gradually decreased in the perioperative period but remained within the reference range until 90 min following surgery. The administration of 100 mL 5% glucose solution immediately after surgery was sufficient for the prevention of postoperative hypoglycemia. This approach may be useful for perioperative glycemic control during third molar extraction.
Phosphorus fractions in soil fertilised with organic waste
Authors: Wierzbowska Jadwiga , Sienkiewicz Stanisław , Zalewska Marta , Żarczyński Piotr , Krzebietke Sławomir
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study has been to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge and composted sewage sludge and municipal waste on the content of various forms of P in soil. The experiment scheme: C, control; NPK; FYM; DGSS, dried and granulated sewage sludge; CSS, composed sewage sludge; CSSS, composted sewage sludge and straw; CMMW, composted mixed municipal waste; CMGW, composted municipal green waste. The content of bound P was determined in the fractions: F1, easily soluble; F2, exchangeable; F3, organic; F4, carbonate; F5, stable organic-mineral and mineral bonds; and F6, residual. The NPK fertilisation as well as the soil fertilisation with organic substances raised the P-total content and of P bound in the fractions: F3, F4, F5 and F6. The highest amount of phosphorus in the studied soil was in fraction F3 (phosphorus in organic compounds) and the lowest in fraction F1 (phosphorus in the ionic form as H2PO4− and HPO42−). Composted sludge and straw introduced into the soil increased the content of readily soluble P (F1), while the NPK effect was reversed. NPK fertilisation and enhancement of soil organic matter (except CSSS, CMGW) led to a reduction of the P content in F2 fraction. The content of available P determined by the Egner-Riehm method depended on the content of C-organic, P-total and CEC soil. Among the determined phosphorus fractions, the content of available P was most strongly correlated with the content of P bound in the carbonate fraction (F4) and residual fraction (F6) and, less strongly, with the organic phosphorus fraction.
Reconstruction of the Grenfell Tower Fire—Thermomechanical Analysis of Window Failure During the Grenfell Tower Disaster
Authors: Koohkan Maxime , Dréan Virginie , Girardin Bertrand , Guillaume Eric , Fateh Talal , Duponchel Xavier
Published: April 2020

Observations and numerical studies have allowed an understanding the fire development inside apartments and over the façade during the Grenfell Tower fire. During these analyses, the highlighted need was for a deeper investigation into the failure of windows during the fire. This detailed and complex model for window failure validates the thermal breakage criteria used in fire simulations of the whole Grenfell Tower fire. However, the present investigation is dedicated to a single pathway for the influx of fire and toxic smoke. Other pathways from the façade to the apartments, such as the melting of elements surrounding the window frame, are not addressed here. To analyse window behaviour during fire, Finite Element Method thermomechanical modelling is used. First, a heat transfer analysis is performed for windows subjected to the external flames from the identified façade fire scenario. The thermal loads evaluated from the fire are applied to the window structures to estimate their failure times. Two window casement configurations, closed and tilted-in, are investigated numerically. Then, a thermomechanical analysis of the window is addressed for each casement configuration. The modelled failure times are compared with those used in the general fire development model and from the observations. The good correlation that is observed, regardless of casement configuration, justifies the use of a simplified criterion for window failure in CFD fire models.
Schauder Estimates for Poisson Equations Associated with Non-local Feller Generators
Authors: Kühn Franziska
Published: April 2020

We show how Hölder estimates for Feller semigroups can be used to obtain regularity results for solutions to the Poisson equation$$Af=g$$Af=gassociated with the (extended) infinitesimal generator of a Feller process. The regularity offis described in terms of Hölder–Zygmund spaces of variable order and, moreover, we establish Schauder estimates. Since Hölder estimates for Feller semigroups have been intensively studied in the last years, our results apply to a wide class of Feller processes, e.g. random time changes of Lévy processes and solutions to Lévy-driven stochastic differential equations. Most prominently, we establish Schauder estimates for the Poisson equation associated with the fractional Laplacian of variable order. As a by-product, we obtain new regularity estimates for semigroups associated with stable-like processes.
Spatial distribution and estimation of rainfall trends and erosivity in the Epitácio Pessoa reservoir catchment, Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: da Silva Richarde Marques , Santos Celso Augusto Guimarães , da Costa Silva Jorge Flávio Cazé Braga , Silva Alexandro Medeiros , Brasil Neto Reginaldo Moura
Published: April 2020

The main goals of this study are to better understand the spatial and temporal variabilities in rainfall and to identify rainfall trends and erosivity for the period from 1963 to 1991 in the Epitácio Pessoa reservoir catchment, which is located in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. This study analyzes annual rainfall trends on a regional scale by using monthly data from 13 rainfall stations. For this purpose, the nonparametric Mann–Kendall and Sen methods were used in the analysis. Descriptive statistics methods and interpolation techniques were also used for spatial–temporal analysis of the annual rainfall. A detailed statistical analysis applied to the time series of all the stations indicates that the rainfall presents substantial annual spatial–temporal variability and a negative trend (decrease) in the mean rainfall at most of the rainfall stations in the catchment during the study period. The results only showed a positive trend for the Soledade and Pocinhos stations. The distribution of positive and negative trends in the Epitácio Pessoa reservoir catchment is extremely irregular, and the changes in the study area are more significant compared to those identified in other studies.

Graphic abstract
Tests and academic cheating: do learning tasks influence cheating by way of negative evaluations?
Authors: Wenzel Kristin , Reinhard Marc-André
Published: April 2020

Desirable difficulties like tests were often shown to increase long-term learning. However, due to the complexity and difficulty of such tasks, they are also argued to result in negative consequences like stress, anxiety, pressure, frustration, or negative evaluations. In other studies, such consequences were, in turn, often found to increase dishonest behaviour. Hence, the present work tests the assumptions that tests as difficult learning tasks, contrary to reading, lead to more negative evaluations of the learning situations, to more stress, and—directly and indirectly—to higher self-reported likelihoods of hypothetical cheating and to higher justifications for cheating. Thus, the learning situation itself, as well as negative consequences caused by the learning situation, is supposed to be linked to cheating. We conducted an online study in which participants read and imagined one of three hypothetical learning scenarios, either regarding one of two learning tests or a reading control task. Participants then rated negative consequences due to these scenarios, as well as likelihoods of cheating, and justifications for it, in a hypothetical examination. Our results showed no direct effects of the learning scenarios on likelihoods of hypothetical cheating or justifications. However, test scenarios were evaluated more negatively than the reading control scenario and these higher negative evaluations were in turn linked to higher likelihoods of own hypothetical cheating and to higher justifications. These findings indicate that tests as difficult learning tasks can indirectly influence cheating, at least in hypothetical scenarios. Future work should try to replicate and expand these results.
The dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder is associated with subcortical white matter network alterations
Authors: Sierk Anika , Manthey Antje , Brakemeier Eva-Lotta , Walter Henrik , Daniels Judith K.
Published: April 2020

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by intrusions, avoidance, and hyperarousal while patients of the dissociative subtype (PTSD-D) experience additional dissociative symptoms. A neurobiological model proposes hyper-inhibition of limbic structures mediated by prefrontal cortices to underlie dissociation in PTSD. Here, we tested whether functional alterations in fronto-limbic circuits are underpinned by white matter network abnormalities on a network level. 23 women with PTSD-D and 19 women with classic PTSD participated. We employed deterministic diffusion tractography and graph theoretical analyses. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) was chosen as a network weight and group differences assessed using network-based statistics. No significant white matter network alterations comprising both frontal and limbic structures in PTSD-D relative to classic PTSD were found. A subsequent whole brain exploratory analysis revealed relative FA alterations in PTSD-D in two subcortical networks, comprising connections between the left amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus as well as links between the left ventral diencephalon, putamen, and pallidum, respectively. Dissociative symptom severity in the PTSD-D group correlated with FA values within both networks. Our findings suggest fronto-limbic inhibition in PTSD-D may present a dynamic neural process, which is not hard-wired via white matter tracts. Our exploratory results point towards altered fiber tract communication in a limbic-thalamic circuit, which may underlie (a) an initial strong emotional reaction to trauma reminders before conscious regulatory processes are enabled and (b) deficits in early sensory processing. In addition, aberrant structural connectivity in low-level motor regions may present neural correlates for dissociation as a passive threat-response.
Identification of zones at risk of erosion by the combination of a digital model and the method of multi-criteria analysis in the arid regions: case of the Bechar Wadi watershed
Authors: Boufeldja Samira , Baba Hamed Kamila , Bouanani Abderrazak , Belkendil Abdeldjalil
Published: April 2020

Erosion and solid transport is a tricky and complex problem that negatively affects natural and urban environments. In Algeria, the effects of this phenomenon are apparent; their impact is no less devastating in the long term than the other spectacular catastrophic phenomena that can be observed. Sixty-five large dams in Algeria are threatened by the reduction of 62% of their storage capacity because of the siltation problem (ANBT) (National Agency for Dams and Water Transfers). The main objective of this work is the evaluation of the impact of the erosion phenomenon on Bechar watershed which is in an area characterized by an arid climate. The universal soil loss equation was used. This model is based on the combination of the five factors (erosivity, erodibility, topography, vegetation cover and support practices) that directly influence this phenomenon. Analytical hierarchy process is used to give a weighting value of each factor according to its degree of influence on the phenomenon. The sediment delivery ratio is calculated to determine the amount of soil that will arrive at the outlet of the watershed and contribute to the storage structures siltation. The obtained results will undoubtedly help decision makers to understand the threat of erosion degree in the study area in order to better take the necessary measures to face this issue.
Teaching across disciplines: a case study of a project-based short course to teach holistic coastal adaptation design
Authors: Judge Pamela K. , Buxton Jane A. , Sheahan Thomas C. , Phetteplace Eleanor R. , Kriebel David L. , Hamin Infield Elisabeth M.
Published: April 2020

Climate change has led to the need for innovation in resilient infrastructure and the social policies which will support those. This requires greater interdisciplinary interactions and knowledge building among emerging professionals. This paper presents a case study of a pilot short course intended to immerse graduate students in the design of resilient infrastructure using place-based and interdisciplinary active team learning. This course helps graduate students bridge the gap between research and practice on the social science and engineering of resilient infrastructure for coastal adaptation. The intellectual framework for the course (the Adaptive Gradients Framework) provides a holistic evaluation of adaptation design proposals and was used to recognize the complexity of social, ecological and engineering aspects and varied social benefits. The course provides a model to move outside rigid boundaries of institutions and disciplines to begin to build, in both students and instructors, the ability to work more effectively on complex social-ecological-engineering problems. Finally, this paper presents a summary of lessons learned from this pilot short course.