bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid nonlinear observer for battery state‐of‐charge estimation using nonmonotonic force measurements
Authors: Movahedi Hamidreza , Figueroa‐Santos Miriam A. , Siegel Jason B. , Stefanopoulou Anna G. , Rajamani Rajesh
Published: May 2020

This article focuses on state‐of‐charge (SOC) estimation in a lithium‐ion battery, using measurements of terminal voltage and bulk force. A nonlinear observer designed using Lyapunov analysis relying on lower and upper bounds of the Jacobian of the nonlinear output function is utilized. Rigorous analysis shows that the proposed observer has feasible design solutions only in each piecewise monotonic region of the output functions and has no constant stabilizing observer gain when the entire SOC range is considered. The nonmonotonicity challenge is then addressed by designing a hybrid nonlinear observer that switches between several constant observer gains. The global stability of the switched system is guaranteed by ensuring overlap between regions and an adequate dwell time between switches. The performance of the observer is evaluated first through simulations using a high‐fidelity battery model and then through experiments. The performance of the nonlinear observer is compared with that of an extended Kalman Filter. Simulation results show that with no model uncertainty the nonlinear observer provides estimates with an RMS error of 1.1%, while the EKF performs better, providing an RMS error less than 1%. However, when model error is introduced into this nonmonotonic system, the EKF becomes unstable for even very small model errors in the output curves. The nonlinear observer, on the other hand, continues to perform very well, providing accurate estimates and never becoming unstable. The experimental results verify the observations from the simulation and the experimental EKF is found to become unstable due to model errors, while the hybrid nonlinear observer continues to work reliably.
Cation Exchange Protocols to Radiolabel Aqueous Stabilized ZnS, ZnSe, and CuFeS2 Nanocrystals with 64Cu for Dual Radio‐ and Photo‐Thermal Therapy
Authors: Avellini Tommaso , Soni Nisarg , Silvestri Niccolò , Fiorito Sergio , De Donato Francesco , De Mei Claudia , Walther Martin , Cassani Marco , Ghosh Sandeep , Manna Liberato , Stephan Holger , Pellegrino Teresa
Published: May 2020

Here, cation exchange (CE) reactions are exploited to radiolabel ZnSe, ZnS, and CuFeS2 metal chalcogenide nanocrystals (NCs) with 64Cu. The CE protocol requires one simple step, to mix the water‐soluble NCs with a 64Cu solution, in the presence of vitamin C used to reduce Cu(II) to Cu(I). Given the quantitative cation replacement on the NCs, a high radiochemical yield, up to 99%, is reached. Also, provided that there is no free 64Cu, no purification step is needed, making the protocol easily translatable to the clinic. A unique aspect of the approach is the achievement of an unprecedentedly high specific activity: by exploiting a volumetric CE, the strategy enables to concentrate a large dose of 64Cu (18.5 MBq) in a small NC dose (0.18 µg), reaching a specific activity of 103 TBq g−1. Finally, the characteristic dielectric resonance peak, still present for the radiolabeled 64Cu:CuFeS2 NCs after the partial‐CE reaction, enables the generation of heat under clinical laser exposure (1 W cm−2). The synergic toxicity of photo‐ablation and 64Cu ionization is here proven on glioblastoma and epidermoid carcinoma tumor cells, while no intrinsic cytotoxicity is seen from the NC dose employed for these dual experiments.
Fluorocyclization of N‐Propargyl Carboxamides by λ3‐Iodane Catalysts with Coordinating Substituents
Authors: Takahashi Shunsuke , Umakoshi Yuki , Nakayama Kaii , Okada Yohei , Zhdankin Viktor V. , Yoshimura Akira , Saito Akio
Published: May 2020

Aiming at the enhanced catalytic activity of fluoro‐λ3‐iodane generated from iodoarene precatalyst with Selectfluor and HF⋅pyridine, this study focused on the λ3‐iodanes bearing coordinating substituents. Compared to 4‐iodoanisole as a precatalyst of our previous method, N‐methyl‐2‐iodobenzamide or 2‐iodobenzamide worked well in the fluorocyclization of N‐propargyl carboxamides to oxazoles. Control experiments suggest the equilibrium mixture of iodane‐amine complexes and cyclic iodane fluorides would be involved in the present catalysis.

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Ridge‐furrow plastic film mulching farming for sustainable dryland agriculture on the Chinese loess plateau
Authors: Li Feng‐Min , Li Xiao Gang , Javaid Muhammad Mansoor , Ashraf Muhammad , Zhang Feng
Published: May 2020

This paper describes the progress of dryland farming development by comparing the ridge‐furrow plastic film mulching (RFM) system with conventional cultivation in the Chinese Loess Plateau, where the climate is cool and semi‐arid or subhumid prone to drought, and dryland farming dominates. The barren soil dominated by eolian sedimentary loess is loose and erosive. For thousands of years, increasing human population pressure and high‐intensity disordered land use have led to serious ecosystem degradation. Since the 1950s, large‐scale and long‐term construction of terraced fields have effectively reduced the soil erosion potential, and such fields have become more and more convenient for mechanized large‐area production. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the crop cultivation system based on the RFM has been widely promoted. Compared with previous cropping systems, the crop productivity in the RFM system is double or multiple times greater. Soil moisture has become favorable. Soil organic C content has been controlled or increased. Most importantly, the RFM system has promoted the coordinated development of grain, forage, and livestock, and favorable market results. It has vigorously promoted the fight against poverty and the realization of the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in dryland areas. Therefore, ridge‐furrow mulching is the key basis for the sustainable development of the dryland farming system on the Loess Plateau.
Diversified crop rotation and management system influence durum yield and quality
Authors: Lenssen Andrew W. , Sainju Upendra M. , Allen Brett L. , Stevens William B. , Jabro Jalal D.
Published: May 2020

Diversified crop rotation, sequence of crops within a rotation, and management system may affect durum (Triticum turgidum L.) yield and quality. This study investigated the impact of stacked vs. alternate‐year rotation and conventional vs. ecological management system on dryland durum growth, yield, quality, and N relations from 2008 to 2011 in the northern Great Plains. Stacked rotations were durum–durum–canola (Brassica napus L.)–pea (Pisum sativum L.) (DDCP) and durum–durum–flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)–pea (DDFP). Alternate‐year rotations were durum–canola–durum–pea (DCDP) and durum–flax–durum–pea (DFDP). Continuous durum (CD) was also included for comparison. Conventional management included the combination of tillage, recommended seed rate, broadcast N fertilization, and reduced stubble height; ecological management included no‐tillage, increased seed rate, banded N fertilization, and greater stubble height. Durum height was 4–7 cm taller in the ecological than the conventional management with DCDP, DDCP, and DFDP. Plant height, spike number, grain yield, aboveground biomass, N accumulation, N removal index, and N‐use efficiency were 8–46% greater in the ecological than the conventional management in wet years, but were 15–26% greater in the conventional management in dry years. Plant height, spike number, aboveground biomass, and seed weight varied with crop rotations and years. The ecological management improved durum growth, yield, and N relations in wet years, but the conventional management was superior in dry year. Producers can enhance dryland durum yield and quality by using the ecological management, especially in wet years, rather than relying on crop rotations.
Hermetia illucens Larvae as a Living Bioreactor for Simultaneous Food by‐Products Recycling and Useful Oil Production
Authors: Guil‐Guerrero José L. , Sánchez‐Muros María J. , Fabrikov Dmitri , Rodríguez‐Lozano Borja , González‐Fernández María J. , Lyashenko Svetlana , Barroso Fernando G.
Published: May 2020

The effects of feeds containing several food by‐products on the fatty acid compositions of Hermetia illucens larvae were studied. Coconut, tomato, apple, and viscera by‐products, as well as combinations of control feed containing carbohydrate‐rich additives were assayed. Final live weight (mg) and daily growth coefficient (%/day) ranged from 41 and 0.548 (tomato) to 93 and 1.292 (coconut), respectively. Oils containing lauric acid were obtained from larvae‐fed vegetable by‐products, especially those fed feed containing apple, coconut, and tomato (65.3, 54.4 and 52.3% of total fatty acids, respectively). Feed containing apple and a 1:1 (w/w) mix of control feed and apple by‐products yielded the highest proportion of fatty acids in the larvae (23.5 and 15.6 g fatty acids/100 g fresh larvae, respectively). The properties of biodiesel that could be produced from larvae fatty acids were calculated and the following values were obtained: cetane number (58.5–60.2), higher heating value (38.3–39.0 MJ·kg−1), density (0.869–0.873 g·cm−3), and induction period, an index of oxidation stability (8.4–150 hours). Such values were within the ranges specified by the ASTM D6751 and Europe EN 14214:2008 standards, while values for cold filter plugging point (−9.6 to 2.8 °C) were adequate for biodiesels intended for use in temperate climates. However, values for kinematic viscosity (2.93–3.58 mm2·s−1) were slightly below the requirements of EN 14214:2008 (3.5–5.0). Overall, larvae fed food by‐products produced lauric acid‐rich oils, and the calculated properties of the oils were largely suitable for biodiesel production.
Catalytic Asymmetric Three‐component Hydroacyloxylation/ 1,4‐Conjugate Addition of Ynamides
Authors: Li Xiangqiang , Jiang Mingyi , Zhan Tangyu , Cao Weidi , Feng Xiaoming
Published: May 2020

A highly enantioselective three‐component hydroacyloxylation/1,4‐conjugate addition of ortho‐hydroxybenzyl alcohols, ynamides and carboxylic acids was developed under mild reaction conditions in the presence of a chiral N,N′‐dioxide/Sc(OTf)3 complex, which went through in situ generated ortho‐quinone methides with α‐acyloxyenamides, delivering a range of corresponding chiral α‐acyloxyenamides derivatives containing gem(1,1)‐diaryl skeletons in moderate to good yields with excellent ee values. The scale‐up experiment and further derivation showed the practicality of this catalytic system. In addition, a possible catalytic cycle and transition state model was proposed to elucidate the origin of the stereoselectivity based on X‐ray crystal structure of the α‐acyloxyenamide intermediate and product.
Decrease in primary but not in secondary abdominal surgery for Crohn's disease: nationwide cohort study, 1990–2014
Authors: Kalman T D , Everhov Å H , Nordenvall C , Sachs M C , Halfvarson J , Ekbom A , Ludvigsson J F , Myrelid P , Olén O
Published: May 2020

Background

Treatment of patients with Crohn's disease has evolved in recent decades, with increasing use of immunomodulatory medication since 1990 and biologicals since 1998. In parallel, there has been increased use of active disease monitoring. To what extent these changes have influenced the incidence of primary and repeat surgical resection remains debated.

Methods

In this nationwide cohort study, incident patients of all ages with Crohn's disease, identified in Swedish National Patient Registry between 1990 and 2014, were divided into five calendar periods of diagnosis: 1990–1995 and 1996–2000 with use of inpatient registries, 2001, and 2002–2008 and 2009–2014 with use of inpatient and outpatient registries. The cumulative incidence of first and repeat abdominal surgery (except closure of stomas), by category of surgical procedure, was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Among 21 273 patients with Crohn's disease, the cumulative incidence of first abdominal surgery within 5 years of Crohn's disease diagnosis decreased continuously from 54·8 per cent in 1990–1995 to 40·4 per cent in 1996–2000 (P < 0·001), and again from 19·8 per cent in 2002–2008 to 17·3 per cent in 2009–2014 (P < 0·001). Repeat 5-year surgery rates decreased from 18·9 per cent in 1990–1995 to 16·0 per cent in 1996–2000 (P = 0·009). After 2000, no further significant decreases were observed.

Conclusion

The 5-year rate of surgical intervention for Crohn's disease has decreased significantly, but the rate of repeat surgery has remained stable despite the introduction of biological therapy.
Effectiveness of Dupilumab in the treatment of both atopic dermatitis and alopecia universalis
Authors: Call John E. , Sahni Sakshi , Zug Kathryn A.
Published: May 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated significant molecular parallels between atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata as predominantly TH2‐mediated diseases. This case report highlights the potential for Dupilumab as a targeted biologic therapy in both atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata.
Design and Synthesis of Fluorescent Methylphenidate Analogues for a FRET‐Based Assay of Synapsin III Binding
Authors: Casiraghi Andrea , Longhena Francesca , Straniero Valentina , Faustini Gaia , Newman Amy H. , Bellucci Arianna , Valoti Ermanno
Published: May 2020

We previously described synapsin III (Syn III) as a synaptic phosphoprotein that controls dopamine release in cooperation with α‐synuclein (aSyn). Moreover, we found that in Parkinson's disease (PD), Syn III also participates in aSyn aggregation and toxicity. Our recent observations point to threo‐methylphenidate (MPH), a monoamine re‐uptake inhibitor that efficiently counteracts the freezing‐gait characteristic of advanced PD, as a ligand for Syn III. We have designed and synthesised two different fluorescently labelled MPH derivatives, one with Rhodamine Red (RHOD) and one with 5‐carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA), to be used for assessing MPH binding to Syn III by FRET. TAMRA‐MPH exhibited the ideal characteristics to be used as a FRET acceptor, as it was able to enter into the SK‐N‐SH cells and could interact specifically with human green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged Syn III but not with GFP alone. Moreover, the uptake of TAMRA‐MPH and co‐localization with Syn III was also observed in primary mesencephalic neurons. These findings support that MPH is a Syn III ligand and that TAMRA‐conjugated drug molecules might be valuable tools to study drug‐ligand interactions by FRET or to detect Syn III in cytological and histological samples.
Application of a Backpropagation Artificial Neural Network in Predicting Plasma Concentration and Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Oral Single‐Dose Rosuvastatin in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Xu Yichao , Lou Honggang , Chen Jinliang , Jiang Bo , Yang Dandan , Hu Yin , Ruan Zourong
Published: May 2020

A backpropagation artificial neural network (BPANN) model was established for the prediction of the plasma concentration and pharmacokinetic parameters of rosuvastatin (RVST) in healthy subjects. The data (demographic characteristics and results of clinical laboratory tests) were collected from 4 bioequivalence studies using reference 10‐mg RVST calcium tablets. After the data were cleaned using extreme gradient boosting, 13 important factors were extracted to construct the BPANN model. The model was fully validated, and mean impact values (MIVs) were calculated. The model was used to predict the plasma concentration and pharmacokinetic parameters of oral single‐dose RVST in healthy subjects under fasting and fed conditions. The predicted and measured values were compared in order to evaluate the accuracy of prediction. The constructed model performed well in validation. The top 3 factors ranked by MIV related to RVST concentration are fasting/fed, time, and creatinine clearance. The time‐concentration profiles of the measured and predicted data agreed well. There were no significant differences (P > .05) in the area under the concentration‐time curve from 0 to the last measurable concentration (AUC0‐t) and extrapolated to infinity (AUC0‐∞), half‐time of elimination, peak concentration, and time to peak concentration of the measured data and data predicted by BPANN. The BPANN model has an accurate prediction ability and can be used to predict RVST concentration and pharmacokinetic parameters in healthy subjects.
The development and assessment of a scale to measure the experience of an anorexic voice in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Hampshire Kay , Tierney Stephanie , Varese Filippo , Haddock Gillian , Saeidi Saeideh , Fox John R.E.
Published: May 2020

The anorexic voice (AV) is defined as a critical internal dialogue, which has been implicated in the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa (AN). Systematic research to explore this further requires a valid and reliable measurement tool. This study aimed to develop and assess the validity of the Experience of an Anorexic VoicE Questionnaire (EAVE‐Q). EAVE‐Q items were developed and checked for face and content validity through cognitive interviews with seven individuals diagnosed with AN. Participants with a diagnosis of AN (N = 148) completed the EAVE‐Q, sociodemographic questions and measures of mood and quality of life to assess internal consistency and construct validity. Forty‐nine participants completed the EAVE‐Q twice more to assess test–retest reliability. The EAVE‐Q had good face and content validity and good acceptability. Principal axis factoring resulted in an 18‐item scale organized into five domains with high internal consistency (α = 0.70 to α = 0.85). Domains correlated significantly with eating disorder symptoms, psychological distress, and quality of life. The EAVE‐Q did not discriminate between participants on the basis of body mass index. Test–retest reliability was moderate. Although the factor structure of the EAVE‐Q requires replication in other AN samples, the EAVE‐Q is the first measure of a critical internal dialogue in AN. It is hoped that it will aid future research to increase understanding of AN and the continued development of person‐centred treatments.
Interpretation of Cytochrome P‐450 Inhibition and Induction Effects From Clinical Data: Current Standards and Recommendations for Implementation
Authors: Stout Stephen M. , Nemerovski Carrie W. , Streetman Daniel S. , Berg Melody , Hoffman Jamie , Burke Kayann , Bemben Nina M. , Sklar Stephen J.
Published: May 2020

Agents that modify cytochrome P‐450 (CYP) enzyme activity are characterized as strong, moderate, or weak inhibitors or inducers based on the magnitude of their impact on substrate exposure in clinical studies. Criteria for these classifications are simple and semiquantitative. However, assignment of a given agent to a CYP inhibitor or inducer category is often complicated by limitations of the published data, inconsistent study findings, and other factors. CYP inhibitor and inducer categories are commonly used as a basis for differentiating drug interaction management recommendations. For example, product labeling for a CYP substrate may recommend avoidance in combination with strong inhibitors and dose reduction in combination with moderate inhibitors. When such recommendations exist, ambiguity or variability in placement of inhibitors or inducers into categories can introduce potentially harmful variations in clinical drug interaction management. Failure to adequately reflect the drug interaction potential of an agent by under‐categorizing it (e.g., calling it weak when data point to moderate effects), for example, may lead clinicians to respond inadequately to real risks, or to ignore potential interactions altogether. Over‐categorization may lead to actions such as over‐adjustment of substrate doses or unnecessary avoidance of optimal treatments. This review describes the current criteria for assignment of CYP inhibitor and inducer categories, summarizes common circumstances leading to ambiguous or variable CYP inhibitor and inducer categorizations, and proposes an approach to data interpretation and application of current criteria under uncertainty. When applied to > 1,000 CYP reviews, the approach described has identified a clear categorization in almost all cases.
Variants in HSD11B1 gene modulate susceptibility to diabetes kidney disease and to insulin resistance in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Mori Rosana Cristina , Santos‐Bezerra Daniele Pereira , Pelaes Tatiana Souza , Admoni Sharon Nina , Perez Ricardo Vessoni , Monteiro Maria Beatriz , Machado Cleide Guimarães , Queiroz Marcia Silva , Machado Ubiratan Fabres , Correa‐Giannella Maria Lúcia
Published: May 2020

Background and aim

11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 has been implicated in insulin resistance (IR) in the setting of metabolic disorders, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in its encoding gene (HSD11B1) have been associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), IR has been related to the development of chronic complications. We investigated the association of HSD11B1 SNPs with microvascular complications and with IR in a Brazilian cohort of T1D individuals.

Materials and methods

Five SNPs were genotyped in 466 T1D individuals (57% women; median of 37 years old, diabetes duration of 25 years and HbA1c of 8.4%).

Results

The minor allele T of rs11799643 was nominally associated with diabetic retinopathy (OR = 0.52; confidence interval [CI] 95% = 0.28‐0.96; P = .036). The minor allele C of rs17389016 was nominally associated with overt diabetic kidney disease (DKD) (OR = 1.90; CI 95% = 1.07‐3.37; P = .028). A follow‐up study revealed that 29% of the individuals lost ≥5 mL min−1 × 1.73 m2 per year of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In these individuals (eGFR decliners), C allele of rs17389016 was more frequent than in non‐decliners (OR = 2.10; CI 95% = 1.14‐3.89; P = .018). Finally, minor allele T of rs846906 associated with higher prevalence of arterial hypertension, higher body mass index and waist circumference, thus conferring risk to a lower estimated glucose disposal rate, a surrogate marker of insulin sensitivity (OR = 1.23; CI 95% = 1.06‐1.42; P = .004).

Conclusion

SNPs in the HSD11B1 gene may confer susceptibility to DKD and to IR in T1D individuals.
Weak latitudinal gradients in insect herbivory for dominant rangeland grasses of North America
Authors: Kent Dylan R. , Lynn Joshua S. , Pennings Steven C. , Souza Lara A. , Smith Melinda D. , Rudgers Jennifer A.
Published: May 2020

Patterns of insect herbivory may follow predictable geographical gradients, with greater herbivory at low latitudes. However, biogeographic studies of insect herbivory often do not account for multiple abiotic factors (e.g., precipitation and soil nutrients) that could underlie gradients. We tested for latitudinal clines in insect herbivory as well as climatic, edaphic, and trait‐based drivers of herbivory. We quantified herbivory on five dominant grass species over 23 sites across the Great Plains, USA. We examined the importance of climate, edaphic factors, and traits as correlates of herbivory. Herbivory increased at low latitudes when all grass species were analyzed together and for two grass species individually, while two other grasses trended in this direction. Higher precipitation was related to more herbivory for two species but less herbivory for a different species, while higher specific root length was related to more herbivory for one species and less herbivory for a different species. Taken together, results highlight that climate and trait‐based correlates of herbivory can be highly contextual and species‐specific. Patterns of insect herbivory on dominant grasses support the hypothesis that herbivory increases toward lower latitudes, though weakly, and indicates that climate change may have species‐specific effects on plant–herbivore interactions.
Relative contribution of environmental and nutritional variables to net primary production of Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers in the riparian zone of a Three Gorges tributary
Authors: Lin Junjie , Zhou Shuang , Liu Dan , Zhang Shuai , Yu Zhiguo , Yang Xiaoxia
Published: May 2020

Our knowledge of fundamental drivers of terrestrial net primary production (NPP) is crucial for improving the predictability of ecosystem stability under global climate change. However, the patterns and determinants of NPP are not fully understood, especially in the riparian zone ecosystem disturbed by periodic drought–rewetting (DRW) cycles. The environmental (flooding time, pH, moisture, and clay content) and nutritional properties (soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonium (NH4+‐N), nitrate (NO3‐‐N), and C:N:P stoichiometry) were investigated in the riparian zone of Pengxi River‐a typical tributary of Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). Structure equation modeling was performed to evaluate the relative importance of environmental and nutritional properties on NPP of Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers (C. dactylon)‐a dominating plant in the riparian zone of TGR. Our results indicated that NPP was much lower under much severe flooding stress. All of these variables could predict 46% of the NPP variance. Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) was one of the most critical predictor shaping the change of NPP. Specifically, flooding stress as a major driver had a direct positive effect on soil moisture and soil clay content. The soil clay content positively affects the soil C: N ratio, which further had an indirect negative impact on NPP by mediating NUE. Overall, our study provided a comprehensive analysis of the effects of the combined effect of environmental and nutrient factors on NPP and showed that continuous DRW cycles induced by hydrological regime stimulate the decrease of NPP of C. dactylon by changing NUE strategies. Further research is needed to explore the responses of NPP and NUE under different land use to DRW cycles and to investigate the DRW effects on the combined effect of environmental and nutrient factors by in situ experiments and long‐term studies.
Changes in stream food‐web structure across a gradient of acid mine drainage increase local community stability
Authors: Pomeranz Justin P. F. , Wesner Jeff S. , Harding Jon S.
Published: May 2020

Understanding what makes food webs stable has long been a goal of ecologists. Topological structure and the distribution and magnitude of interaction strengths in food webs have been shown to confer important stabilizing properties. However, our understanding of how variable species interactions affect food‐web structure and stability is still in its infancy. Anthropogenic stress, such as acid mine drainage, is likely to place severe limitations on the food‐web structures availabe, due to changes in community composition and body mass distributions. Here, we used mechanistic models to infer food‐web structure and quantify stability in streams across a gradient of acid mine drainage. Multiple food webs were iterated for each community based on species pairwise interaction probabilities, in order to incorporate the variability of realistic food‐web structure. We found that food‐web structure was altered systematically with a 32‐fold decrease in the number of links and a twofold increase in connectance across the gradient. Stability generally increased sixfold with increasing acid mine drainage stress, regardless of how interaction strengths were estimated. However, the distribution of the stability measure, s, for some impacted communities separated into clusters of higher and lower magnitude depending on how interaction strengths were estimated. Management and restoration of impacted sites needs to consider their increased stability, as this may have important implications for the recolonization of desirable species. Furthermore, active species introductions may be required to overcome the internal ecological inertia of affected communities.
Year effects: Interannual variation as a driver of community assembly dynamics
Authors: Werner Chhaya M. , Stuble Katharine L. , Groves Anna M. , Young Truman P.
Published: May 2020

Environmental conditions that vary from year to year can be strong drivers of ecological dynamics, including the composition of newly assembled communities. However, ecologists often chalk such dynamics up to “noise” in ecological experiments. Our lack of attention to such “year effects” hampers our understanding of contingencies in ecological assembly mechanisms and limits the generalizability of research findings. Here, we provide examples from published research demonstrating the importance of year effects during community assembly across study systems. We further quantify these year effects with two case studies—a grassland restoration experiment and a study of postfire conifer recruitment—finding that the effects of initiation year on community composition can dictate community as much, if not more, than the effects of experimental treatments or site. The evidence strongly suggests that year effects are pervasive and profound, and that year effects early in community assembly can drive strong and enduring divergence in community structure and function. Explicit attention to year effects in ecological research serves to illuminate basic ecological principles, allowing for better understanding of contingencies in ecology. These dynamics also have strong implications for applied ecological research, offering new insights into ecological restoration as well as future climate change.
Development of Electrofishing for Fisheries Management
Authors: Reynolds James B , Dean Jan C
Published: May 2020

Electrofishing, broadly defined as the use of electricity to capture or control fish, was envisioned in an 1863 British patent application by Isham Baggs. Not until the 1920s, when large, stationary generators were available, did electrofishing applications (i.e., fish barriers) begin. After World War II, applications of electrofishing for fisheries management accelerated in diversity and portability. As the American Fisheries Society celebrates 150 years of dedication to aquatic resource conservation, our aim is to document the development of electrofishing for fisheries management in North America during the same period. Major management objectives comprise the topics in our article. While electrofishing has become a staple in fisheries management for conducting a wide range of applications such as population assessment and eradication of nuisance species, electrofishing use and equipment has evolved, particularly in response to human safety and fish welfare.
Health Care Use and Costs Among Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis With Advanced Fibrosis Using the Fibrosis‐4 Score
Authors: Gordon Stuart C. , Kachru Nandita , Parker Emily , Korrer Stephanie , Ozbay A. Burak , Wong Robert J.
Published: May 2020

Limited evidence exists on the clinical and economic burden of advanced fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) due to the invasiveness of liver biopsies for accurately staging liver disease. The fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) score allows for noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis by using clinical and laboratory data alone. This study aimed to characterize the comorbidity burden, health care resource use (HCRU), and costs among patients with NAFLD/NASH with FIB‐4‐defined F3 (bridging fibrosis) and F4 (compensated cirrhosis) fibrosis. Using the Optum Research Database, a retrospective cohort study was conducted among 251,725 commercially insured adult patients with ≥1 NAFLD/NASH diagnosis from January 1, 2008, to August 31, 2016, and laboratory data required to calculate FIB‐4 scores. Five criteria using varying FIB‐4 score cutoffs were identified based on expert clinical opinion and published literature. Date of the first valid FIB‐4 score marked the index date. Mean annual HCRU and costs were calculated during the pre‐index and post‐index periods. The prevalence of FIB‐4‐based F3 and F4 fibrosis was 0.40%‐2.72% and 1.03%‐1.61%, respectively. Almost 50% of patients identified with FIB‐4‐based F3 or F4 had type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or renal impairment. Total all‐cause health care costs increased significantly from pre‐index to post‐index for patients with FIB‐4‐based F3 fibrosis across most criteria (17%‐29% increase) and patients with FIB‐4‐based F4 fibrosis across all criteria (47%‐48% increase). Inpatient costs were the primary drivers of this increment. Conclusion: Significant increases in HCRU and costs were observed following FIB‐4‐based identification of F3 and F4 fibrosis among U.S. adults with NAFLD/NASH. These data suggest the importance of early identification and management of NAFLD/NASH that may halt or reduce the risk of disease progression and limit the underlying burden.
Sibling relationships and civic engagement: A longitudinal study of Chinese young adults
Authors: Bi Shan Shan , Lam Chun Bun , Chung Kevin Kien Hoa
Published: May 2020

This study examined the longitudinal associations of sibling intimacy and conflict with civic attitudes and behaviours among Chinese young adults. At two time points separated by about 12 months, questionnaire data were collected from 272 Chinese college students (mean age at Time 1 = 19.68 years; 69% female), students who studied in Hong Kong and had at least one sibling. Students rated their intimacy and conflict with their siblings and their parents at Time 1, and their civic attitudes and behaviours at both time points. Hierarchical regression revealed that, controlling for demographic characteristics and parent–child intimacy and conflict, sibling intimacy predicted increases in both civic attitudes and behaviours. Sibling conflict was a non‐significant predictor, however. Findings highlighted the roles of siblings in understanding civic development in young adulthood and the utility of targeting sibling intimacy as means to foster young adults' positive attitudes to and active participation in civic activities.
Using Predictive Analytics in the Real World: Practice Scenarios for Ethical Decision‐Making
Authors: Palmer Iris , Carpenter‐Hubin Julie
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, we walk the reader through a set of scenarios that administrators might face when using different types of data on campus. We also provide guiding questions to help institutional research professionals explore how to think about these scenarios with ethics in mind.
Analysis of seepage loss from concrete lined irrigation canals in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Shah Zulqarnain , Gabriel Hamza , Haider Sajjad , Jafri Turab
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT/RÉSUMÉ (ABSTRACT for English and RÉSUMÉ for French)

A significant amount of water is lost in canals due to seepage. This could be saved to irrigate barren land. This article presents the measured seepage data by the inflow‐outflow method on seven so‐called concrete‐lined distributary canals in Punjab, Pakistan. A special feature of the inflow‐outflow method is the relatively long lengths of the canal reaches (9 to 5 km), which is the longest one could find in the literature so far. The seepage in canals is also calculated using five empirical formulae. The results show that the Swamee and the Punmia formulae performed admirably with mean percent errors of −20% and + 19% respectively. Moritz formula stood at +53% while Kostiakov scored +158%. The research also proposed a slight modification in the Swamee formula whereby, instead of the canal width, the surface water width was used in the calculation of the dimensionless variable F. This led to a beneficial effect of bringing down the percent mean error from −42% to −20%. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unique, Gender-Dependent Serum microRNA Profile in PLS3 Gene-Related Osteoporosis
Authors: Mäkitie Riikka E , Hackl Matthias , Weigl Moritz , Frischer Amelie , Kämpe Anders , Costantini Alice , Grillari Johannes , Mäkitie Outi
Published: May 2020

Plastin 3 (PLS3), encoded by PLS3, is a newly recognized regulator of bone metabolism, and mutations in the encoding gene result in severe childhood-onset osteoporosis. Because it is an X chromosomal gene, PLS3 mutation-positive males are typically more severely affected whereas females portray normal to increased skeletal fragility. Despite the severe skeletal pathology, conventional metabolic bone markers tend to be normal and are thus insufficient for diagnosing or monitoring patients. Our study aimed to explore serum microRNA (miRNA) concentrations in subjects with defective PLS3 function to identify novel markers that could differentiate subjects according to mutation status and give insight into the molecular mechanisms by which PLS3 regulates skeletal health. We analyzed fasting serum samples for a custom-designed panel comprising 192 miRNAs in 15 mutation-positive (five males, age range 8–76 years, median 41 years) and 14 mutation-negative (six males, age range 8–69 years, median 40 years) subjects from four Finnish families with different PLS3 mutations. We identified a unique miRNA expression profile in the mutation-positive subjects with seven significantly upregulated or downregulated miRNAs (miR-93-3p, miR-532-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-301b-3p, miR-181c-5p, miR-203a-3p, and miR-590-3p; p values, range .004–.044). Surprisingly, gender subgroup analysis revealed the difference to be even more distinct in female mutation-positive subjects (congruent p values, range .007–.086) than in males (p values, range .127–.843) in comparison to corresponding mutation-negative subjects. Although the seven identified miRNAs have all been linked to bone metabolism and two of them (miR-181c-5p and miR-203a-3p) have bioinformatically predicted targets in the PLS3 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR), none have previously been reported to associate with PLS3. Our results indicate that PLS3 mutations are reflected in altered serum miRNA levels and suggest there is crosstalk between PLS3 and these miRNAs in bone metabolism. These provide new understanding of the pathomechanisms by which mutations in PLS3 lead to skeletal disease and may provide novel avenues for exploring miRNAs as biomarkers in PLS3 osteoporosis or as target molecules in future therapeutic applications. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Native mass spectrometry—A valuable tool in structural biology
Authors: Barth Marie , Schmidt Carla
Published: May 2020

Proteins and the complexes they form with their ligands are the players of cellular action. Their function is directly linked with their structure making the structural analysis of protein‐ligand complexes essential. Classical techniques of structural biology include X‐ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and recently distinguished cryo‐electron microscopy. However, protein‐ligand complexes are often dynamic and heterogeneous and consequently challenging for these techniques. Alternative approaches are therefore needed and gained importance during the last decades. One alternative is native mass spectrometry, which is the analysis of intact protein complexes in the gas phase. To achieve this, sample preparation and instrument conditions have to be optimised. Native mass spectrometry then reveals stoichiometry, protein interactions and topology of protein assemblies. Advanced techniques such as ion mobility and high‐resolution mass spectrometry further add to the range of applications and deliver information on shape and microheterogeneity of the complexes. In this tutorial, we explain the basics of native mass spectrometry including sample requirements, instrument modifications and interpretation of native mass spectra. We further discuss the developments of native mass spectrometry and provide example spectra and applications.
Volume effects in the TCP for hypoxic and oxygenated tumors
Authors: Chvetsov Alevei V. , Stewart Robert D. , Kim Minsun , Meyer Juergen , Rengan Ramesh
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Clinical studies in radiation therapy with conventional fractionation show a reduction in the tumor control probability (TCP) with an increase in the total and hypoxic tumor volumes. The main objective of this article is to derive an analytical relationship between the TCP and the hypoxic and total tumor volumes. This relationship is applied to clinical data on the TCP reduction with increasing total tumor volume and, also, dose escalation to target tumor hypoxia.

Methods

The TCP equation derived from the Poisson probability distribution predicts that both (a) an increase in the number of tumor clonogens and (b) an increase in the average cell surviving fraction are the factors contributing to the loss of local control. Using asymptotic mathematical properties of the TCP formula and the linear quadratic (LQ) cell survival model with two levels of hypoxic and oxygenated cells, we separated the TCP dependence on the total and hypoxic tumor volumes. The predicted trends in the local control as a function of total and hypoxic tumor volumes were evaluated in radiotherapy model problems with conventional dose fractionation for head and neck and non‐small cell lung cancers. Tumor‐specific parameters in the LQ model and the density of clonogens in the TCP model were taken from published data on predictive assays and the plating efficiency measurements, respectively.

Results

Our simulations show that, at the dose levels used in conventional radiation therapy for head and neck and non‐small cell lung cancers, the TCP dependence on the total tumor volume is negligible for completely oxygenated tumors. However, the presented results demonstrate that tumor hypoxia introduces a significant volume effect into estimates of the TCP. The extent of tumor hypoxia is a plausible mechanism to explain the TCP reduction with increasing total tumor volume observed in clinical studies. To achieve the same level of tumor control in a hypoxic tumor region relative to well oxygenated tumor regions, the delivered dose should, in principle, be escalated by a factor equal to the oxygen enhancement ratio (OER). The theoretically required hypoxia‐targeted dose escalation could be as large as 100% because it has been estimated that hypoxic tumor regions may have an OER = 2 for conventional fractionation. However, our results indicate that clinically acceptable values of the TCP would require much lower hypoxia‐targeted dose escalation (<50%) when the effects of total and hypoxic tumor volumes are taken into account.

Conclusions

The reported studies and models suggest that the effect of total tumor volume on the TCP is negligible for oxygenated head and neck and non‐small cell lung tumors treated with conventional fractionation. According to our simulations, the volume effects in the TCP observed in clinical studies are defined primarily by the hypoxic volume. This information can be useful for the analysis of treatment outcomes and the dose escalation to target tumor hypoxia.
Dose calculation errors as a component of failing IROC lung and spine phantom irradiations
Authors: Edward Sharbacha S. , C. Glenn Mallory , Peterson Christine B. , Balter Peter A. , Pollard‐Larkin Julianne M. , Howell Rebecca M. , S. Followill David , Kry Stephen F.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Between July 2013 and August 2019, 22% of the imaging and radiation oncology core (IROC) spine, and 15% of the moving lung phantom irradiations have failed to meet established acceptability criteria. The spine phantom simulates a highly modulated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) case, whereas the lung phantom represents a low‐to‐none modulation moving target case. In this study, we assessed the contribution of dose calculation errors to these phantom results and evaluated their effects on failure rates.

Methods

We evaluated dose calculation errors by comparing the calculation accuracy of various institutions’ treatment planning systems (TPSs) vs IROC‐Houston’s previously established independent dose recalculation system (DRS). Each calculation was compared with the measured dose actually delivered to the phantom; cases in which the recalculation was more accurate were interpreted as a deficiency in the institution's TPS. A total of 258 phantom irradiation plans (172 lung and 86 spine) were recomputed.

Results

Overall, the DRS performed better than the TPSs in 47% of the spine phantom cases. However, the DRS was more accurate in 93% of failing spine phantom cases (with an average improvement of 2.35%), indicating a deficiency in the institution's treatment planning system. Deficiencies in dose calculation accounted for 60% of the overall discrepancy between measured and planned doses among spine phantoms. In contrast, lung phantom DRS calculations were more accurate in only 35% and 42% of all and failing lung phantom cases respectively, indicating that dose calculation errors were not substantially present. These errors accounted for only 30% of the overall discrepancy between measured and planned doses.

Conclusions

Dose calculation errors are common and substantial in IROC spine phantom irradiations, highlighting a major failure mode in this phantom and in clinical treatment management of these cases. In contrast, dose calculation accuracy had only a minimal contribution to failing lung phantom results, indicating that other failure modes drive problems with this phantom and similar clinical treatments.
A wall boundary treatment using analytical volume integrations in a particle method
Authors: Matsunaga Takuya , Yuhashi Nobuhiro , Shibata Kazuya , Koshizuka Seiichi
Published: May 2020

Numerical treatment of complicated wall geometry has been one of the most important challenges in particle methods for computational fluid dynamics. In this study, a novel wall boundary treatment using analytical volume integrations has been developed for two‐dimensional (2D) incompressible flow simulations with the moving particle semi‐implicit method. In our approach, wall geometry is represented by a set of line segments in 2D space. Thus, arbitrary‐shaped boundaries can easily be handled without auxiliary boundary particles. The wall's contributions to the spatial derivatives as well as the particle number density are formulated based on volume integrations over the solid domain. These volume integrations are analytically solved. Therefore, it does not entail an expensive calculation cost nor compromise accuracy. Numerical simulations have been carried out for several test cases including the plane Poiseuille flow, a hydrostatic pressure problem with complicated shape, a high viscous flow driven by a rotating screw, a free‐surface flow driven by a rotating cylinder and a dam break in a tank with a wedge. The results obtained using the proposed method agreed well with analytical solutions, experimental observations or calculation results obtained using finite volume method (FVM), which confirms that the proposed wall boundary treatment is accurate and robust.
A novel study of structural reliability analysis and optimization for super parametric convex model
Authors: Meng Zeng , Wan Hua‐Ping , Sheng Zilu , Li Gang
Published: May 2020

Owing to the severe technological competition and high demand for safety estimation in complex physic and engineering systems, reliability analysis has drawn more and more attention. The regular non‐probabilistic reliability analysis assumes that experimental data are enclosed by ellipse and rectangle; however, this appears inconsistent with various types of uncertain sources. In this article, a novel definition for non‐probabilistic reliability is provided for structures based on super parameteric convex model, which is formulated as the ratio of the multidimensional volume located in the safety domain to that of the total super parametric volume. Subsequently, a sampling method is proposed based on Monte Carlo simulation as a reference algorithm. To improve the efficiency, a first‐order calculation method is developed to solve the reliability model using a linear approximation of the limit state function. Furthermore, a second‐order calculation method is constructed to improve the reliability calculation precision with high nonlinearity, and a new non‐probabilistic reliability‐based design optimization method is established accordingly. Six numerical examples are tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.