bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual consistency in exploration and shyness but not activity in smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris): the effect of habituation?
Authors: Chajma P. , Kopecký O. , Vojar J.
Published: April 2020

Behavioural consistency (i.e. personality) is an important aspect of behavioural ecology that has yet to be thoroughly examined in amphibians. Currently published studies often address only one or two aspects of personality, using many different methods for evaluating behavioural consistency. This is the first study focusing on all relevant behavioural traits and their relationships in urodele amphibians. Based on three trials within the experiment, we examined the consistency of activity (time spent moving), the boldness (latency of the first movement and time spent escaping) and the exploration (number of visited segments of the test arena) of 42 smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris). Individual consistency, calculated through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), was low in newt activity (ICC = 0.192) and was moderate in boldness (0.476) and in exploration (0.403). Activity was moderately consistent for each trial (0.425), indicating possible habituation, supported by a decrease in mean activity throughout the trials. Newt activity, shyness and exploration were correlated throughout the experiment, suggesting the possible existence of a common selective pressure. With a summary of existing studies and their effect sizes, we aim to highlight the inconsistencies in the methods and in the results of these studies, to emphasize the need for a complex approach to the study of amphibian personality and the need for a standardized methodology, which would solve the current difficulties in comparing published results.
Prediction of liver fibrosis severity in alcoholic liver disease by human microfibrillar‐associated protein 4
Authors: Madsen Bjørn S. , Thiele Maja , Detlefsen Sönke , Sørensen Mia D. , Kjærgaard Maria , Møller Linda S. , Rasmussen Ditlev N. , Schlosser Anders , Holmskov Uffe , Trebicka Jonel , Sorensen Grith L. , Krag Aleksander ,   GALAXY consortium
Published: April 2020

Background

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a public health concern that is the cause of half of all cirrhosis‐related deaths. Early detection of fibrosis, ideally in the precirrhotic stage, is a key strategy for improving ALD outcomes and for preventing progression to cirrhosis. Previous studies identified the blood‐borne marker human microfibrillar‐associated protein 4 (MFAP4) as a biomarker for detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related fibrosis. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MFAP4 to detect ALD‐induced fibrosis.

Method

We performed a prospective, liver biopsy‐controlled study involving 266 patients with prior or current alcohol overuse. Patients were split into a training and a validation cohort.

Results

MFAP4 was present in fibrotic hepatic tissue and serum MFAP4 levels increased with fibrosis grade. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for detection of cirrhosis was 0.91 (95% CI 0.85‐0.96) in the training cohort and 0.91 (95% CI 0.79‐1.00) in the validation cohort. For detection of advanced fibrosis, the AUROC was 0.88 (95% CI 0.81‐0.94) in the training cohort and 0.92 (95% CI 0.83‐1.00) in the validation cohort. The diagnostic accuracy did not differ between MFAP4 and the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test or transient elastography (TE) in an intention‐to‐diagnose analysis. MFAP4 did not predict hepatic decompensation in a time‐to‐decompensation analysis in a subgroup of patients with cirrhosis.

Conclusion

MFAP4 is a novel biomarker that can detect ALD‐related fibrosis with high accuracy.
Validation of 24‐h dietary recall for estimating nutrient intakes and adequacy in adolescents in Burkina Faso
Authors: Arsenault Joanne E. , Moursi Mourad , Olney Deanna K. , Becquey Elodie , Ganaba Rasmané
Published: April 2020

Data on dietary nutrient intakes of adolescents in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) is lacking partly due to the absence of validation studies of the 24‐h recall method in adolescents. We conducted a validation study of 24‐h recall (24HR) compared with observed weighed records (OWR) in adolescents (n = 132, 10–11 years; n = 105, 12–14 years). Dietary data were collected for the same day by both methods by conducting the 24HR the day after the OWR. For OWR, all foods consumed by adolescents from the first to last meal of the day were weighed; for 24HR adolescents reported foods consumed using portion aids. Food intakes were converted to nutrients. Nutrient intakes by both methods were tested for equivalence by comparing the ratios (24HR/OWR) with equivalence margins of within ±10%, 15% and 20% of the ratio. Prevalences of inadequacy (POIs) were obtained using the NCI method. Mean ratios for energy were 0.88 and 0.92, for younger and older adolescents, respectively, and other nutrients ranged between 0.84 and 1.02. Energy intakes were equivalent within the 15% bound, and most nutrients fell within the 20% bound. POI was overestimated by 24HR, but differences were less than 25 percentage points for most nutrients. Half of adolescents omitted foods in recalls, mainly sweet or savoury snacks, fruits and beverages. Our study showed that adolescents underestimated intakes by 24HR; however, the degree of underestimation was generally acceptable for 12–14‐year‐olds within a bound of 15%. Errors could possibly be reduced with further training and targeted probing.
The signal of sex‐specific selection in humans is not an artefact: Reply to Mank et al.
Authors: Cheng Changde , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: April 2020

This comment refer to the article Mank et. Al
How the apple escaped cultivation in North America
Authors: Gross Briana L.
Published: April 2020

Domesticated plants have been transported around the globe through their association with humans and have undergone changes in response to their new environments. In many regions, farmers and, later, plant breeders have developed local landraces to deal with the new conditions or to satisfy the culinary needs of consumers, showing the versatility of these plants and the ingenuity of plant breeders, both ancient and modern. However, in some cases, plants leave behind their human associations and become feral in either the crop fields or natural landscape of the new region. The evolution of ferality has been studied in some crop systems, with many advances made in our understanding of annual crop ferality (e.g., Burger, Lee, & Ellstrand, 2006; Hegde et al., 2006). In contrast, very little is known about the genetics of feral perennial crops, and the study by Cronin, Kron, and Husband (2020) in this issue of Molecular Ecology sheds new light on this type of evolution, revealing the remarkable ability of domesticated apple (Malus domestica) to thrive and reproduce in North America without genetic input from local species.
COVID‐19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Koehler Philipp , Cornely Oliver A. , Böttiger Bernd W. , Dusse Fabian , Eichenauer Dennis A. , Fuchs Frieder , Hallek Michael , Jung Norma , Klein Florian , Persigehl Thorsten , Rybniker Jan , Kochanek Matthias , Böll Boris , Shimabukuro‐Vornhagen Alexander
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to viral infection are at risk for secondary complications like invasive aspergillosis. Our study evaluates coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) associated invasive aspergillosis at a single centre in Cologne, Germany.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all patients with COVID‐19 associated ARDS admitted to the medical or surgical intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

Results

COVID‐19 associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis was found in five of 19 consecutive critically ill patients with moderate to severe ARDS.

Conclusion

Clinicians caring for patients with ARDS due to COVID‐19 should consider invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and subject respiratory samples to comprehensive analysis to detect co‐infection.
Wood anatomy of Indian oaks, with reference to systematic, ecological and evolutionary perspectives
Authors: Gupta Prachi , Gupta Sangeeta
Published: April 2020

The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the wood microstructure of 16 species of the genus Quercus (Fagaceae) inhabiting the Himalayan region of India. Indian oaks can be categorised into two groups: ring porous oaks and diffuse porous oaks. Most of the diffuse porous oaks were quite homogenous in their microstructure and showed only slight variations in ray cellular composition and axial parenchyma distribution. The results revealed that the current classification of Quercus is not in concordance with the wood microstructure. Instead, cluster analysis suggested that the quantitative wood microstructure of Indian oaks reflects the environmental/climatic differentiation of the eastern and western Himalayas. All the species of oaks showed a combination of both primitive and advanced wood anatomical characters.
Diversity and ecology of aphyllophoroid fungi on driftwood logs on the shores of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kunttu Panu , Pasanen Hannes , Rämä Teppo , Kulju Matti , Kunttu Sanna‐Mari , Kotiranta Heikki
Published: April 2020

Driftwood is woody debris that is floating on the sea or brought onto the shore by the sea. It can have a natural origin but often it originates from human activities. Driftwood has a significant ecological role as a microhabitat for a large range of species. Dead‐wood‐associated aphyllophoroid fungi on driftwood have been studied rather little globally, and there are hardly any studies conducted in the Baltic Sea. We studied the diversity and ecology of polypores and corticioids growing on driftwood (man‐made logs) on the shores of the Finnish SW‐archipelago. In total, 394 driftwood logs were surveyed for visible fungal sporocarps. We found altogether 145 species (1023 records) of which approximately three‐fourths were corticioids. The driftwood logs hosted several rare and noteworthy species, such as one new corticioid species, 16 nationally rare species, and 40 new species to the region. The five most common species accounted for one‐third of all observations, whereas 82 species (11% of all records) were recorded only once or twice. Larger logs hosted, on average, more species compared to small‐diameter logs. The mean number of species increased significantly when comparing the logs in the first and the middle stages of decay. Our results show that driftwood logs can host a wide variety of species and they provide an important substrate for many dead‐wood‐associated fungi, including species of conservation concern and species with restricted ecological requirements. Driftwood hosted several species that have not been previously found in the archipelago forests, and the logs clearly enrich the fungal diversity in the area. Our results encourage to increase dead wood for fungi in coastal forests where it has been dramatically decreased as a result of strong hemeroby.
Association between maximum tongue pressure and swallowing safety and efficacy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Pizzorni Nicole , Ginocchio Daniela , Bianchi Federica , Feroldi Sarah , Vedrodyova Miriam , Mora Gabriele , Schindler Antonio
Published: April 2020

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is common in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), leading to a reduction of swallowing safety and efficacy. The tongue has an important role in swallowing function for oral processing and bolus propulsion through the pharynx. The study aims to analyze the association between instrumental findings of OD and tongue pressure.

Methods

Patients with ALS referred for fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) were recruited. FEES was conducted to test swallowing function with liquid (5, 10, and 20 ml), semisolid (5, 10, and 20 ml), and solid. FEES recordings were assessed for swallowing safety, using the penetration‐aspiration scale (PAS), and for swallowing efficacy, using the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (YPRSRS). PAS scores >2 were suggestive of penetration, PAS scores >5 of aspiration, and YPRSRS scores >2 of residue. Maximum tongue pressure (MTP) and tongue endurance were measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Tongue pressure measurements were compared between patients with and without penetration, aspiration, or residue.

Key results

Fifty‐five patients with ALS were included. Mean MTP was 29.7 kPa, and median tongue endurance was 10 seconds. Patients with residue in the pyriform sinus had a significantly lower MTP than patients without residue in the pyriform sinus with semisolids 10 ml (P = .011) and 20 ml (P = .032). Patients with a tongue endurance <10 seconds exhibited higher frequency of penetration with liquids 5 ml (P = .046), liquids 10 ml (P = .015), and solids (P = .22).

Conclusion and inferences

In patients with ALS, MTP is significantly associated with an impairment of swallowing efficacy and tongue endurance was significantly associated with an impairment of swallowing safety.
Machine learning predicts large scale declines in native plant phylogenetic diversity
Authors: Park Daniel S. , Willis Charles G. , Xi Zhenxiang , Kartesz John T. , Davis Charles C. , Worthington Steven
Published: April 2020

Though substantial effort has gone into predicting how global climate change will impact biodiversity patterns, the scarcity of taxon‐specific information has hampered the efficacy of these endeavors. Further, most studies analyzing spatiotemporal patterns of biodiversity focus narrowly on species richness.

We apply machine learning approaches to a comprehensive vascular plant database for the United States and generate predictive models of regional plant taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in response to a wide range of environmental variables.

We demonstrate differences in predicted patterns and potential drivers of native vs nonnative biodiversity. In particular, native phylogenetic diversity is likely to decrease over the next half century despite increases in species richness. We also identify that patterns of taxonomic diversity can be incongruent with those of phylogenetic diversity.

The combination of macro‐environmental factors that determine diversity likely varies at continental scales; thus, as climate change alters the combinations of these factors across the landscape, the collective effect on regional diversity will also vary. Our study represents one of the most comprehensive examinations of plant diversity patterns to date and demonstrates that our ability to predict future diversity may benefit tremendously from the application of machine learning.
Effect of clear aligners on oral health‐related quality of life: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Bo , Huang Xinqi , Huo Sibei , Zhang Chenghao , Zhao Sen , Cen Xiao , Zhao Zhihe
Published: April 2020

Clear aligners have been frequently applied in orthodontic clinic practice. However, its effect on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) compared with fixed appliance treatment (FAT) remains inconclusive. This systematic review aimed to compare the impacts of clear aligner treatment (CAT) with FAT on patients’ OHRQoL. Electronic searches of databases (PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline, two Chinese databases and six grey literature databases) were conducted up to July 2019. Randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, cohort studies and cross‐sectional studies comparing the impact of CAT and FAT on OHRQoL with validated instruments were included. Extraction of data and assessment of the risk of bias were conducted using ROBINS‐I‐tool, Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and ROB 2.0 based on study design. Of the 1112 records initially identified, 2 studies were included in this review. One study evaluated OHRQoL at the last debonding appointment, while the other made evaluation at the early stage of treatment. In the aspect of functional dimensions, both studies reported less eating disturbance in CAT patients than FAT ones. Based on currently limited information, the effect of CAT on the overall OHRQoL compared to FTA was still inconclusive. In individual dimensions, however, weak evidence supported that CAT might cause less eating disturbance than FAT. More high‐quality clinical trials using validated OHRQoL instruments are needed to draw more reliable conclusions in the effect of CAT and FAT on OHRQoL.
Presidential Rhetoric and Populism
Authors: Çinar Ipek , Stokes Susan , Uribe Andres
Published: April 2020

Scholars and the general public have been struck by the norm‐shattering rhetoric of President Donald J. Trump. His “rhetorical signature” is heavy with Manichean good‐versus‐evil messages, vilification of his opponents, and disdain for institutions and for evidence. But many politicians vilify their opponents and style themselves as uniquely able to solve their society's problems. In fact, Trump's Manichean discourse is typical of populist leaders, in the United States and around the world. Using text‐as‐data analysis of campaign rhetoric, we study the content and mood of presidential campaign speeches by a range of U.S. politicians, which allows a broader perspective not only on the uniqueness of Trump's rhetoric, but also its continuities with the rhetoric of others. This analysis allows us to define Trump as a right‐wing populist. Right‐wing populists, like left‐leaning ones, are anti‐elitist and Manichean in words and outlook. However, the two versions of populism differ in the nature of the anti‐elitism, with right‐wing populists targeting political elites and left‐wing ones targeting economic elites. Right‐wing populists also define the “other” as ethnic out‐groups, who threaten the ethnically pure “people.”
On the relation between conceptual engineering and conceptual ethics
Authors: Burgess Alexis , Plunkett David
Published: April 2020

In recent years, there has been growing discussion amongst philosophers about “conceptual engineering”. Put roughly, conceptual engineering concerns the assessment and improvement of concepts, or of other devices we use in thought and talk (e.g., words). This often involves attempts to modify our existing concepts (or other representational devices), and/or our practices of using them. This paper explores the relation between conceptual engineering and conceptual ethics, where conceptual ethics is taken to encompass normative and evaluative questions about concepts, words, and other broadly “representational” and/or “inferential” devices we use in thought and talk. We take some of the central questions in conceptual ethics to concern which concepts we should use and what words should mean, and why. We put forward a view of conceptual engineering in terms of the following three activities: conceptual ethics, conceptual innovation, and conceptual implementation. On our view, conceptual engineering can be defined in terms of these three activities, but not in a straightforward, Boolean way. Conceptual engineering, we argue, is made up of mereologically complex activities whose parts fall into the categories associated with each of these three different activities.
Topsoil removal in degraded open sandy grasslands: can we restore threatened vegetation fast?
Authors: Řehounková Klára , Jongepierová Ivana , Šebelíková Lenka , Vítovcová Kamila , Prach Karel
Published: April 2020

Natural open inland sandy grasslands are a highly threatened habitat in Europe. The originally nutrient‐poor habitats have been affected by increased aerial N‐deposition and the spread of competitively strong plants. We investigated the restoration of degraded psammophilous vegetation in the southeastern part of the Czech Republic, central Europe, where the competitively strong grass Calamagrostis epigejos had formed a compact cover over many hectares formerly dominated by valuable psammophilous grasslands. To expose nutrient‐poor sand, the upper nutrient‐rich layer was scraped off down to a depth of 10–30 cm. Vegetation was recorded by phytosociological relevés annually in a total of 15 permanent plots (5 × 5 m) established between 2012 and 2014 (five plots in each consecutive year). Reference sites with target psammophilous vegetation and degraded sites were also sampled. The target psammophilous species colonized the open sand areas immediately from the adjacent well‐preserved vegetation fragments. Out of 101 vascular plant species recorded in total in restored sites, 34 species were classified as target species, out of which 25 species were classified as threatened. After 6 years, the species richness and number of threatened species in the restored plots approached those of the reference sites. The results of multivariate analyses revealed that spontaneous development of restored plots run fast towards psammophilous vegetation. The optimal restoration strategy of eutrophicated open sandy grasslands should consist in creating a mosaic of topsoil removal patches followed by disturbance after some time and preservation of still existing fragments of target vegetation.
Unexpected hybridization reveals the utility of genetics in native plant restoration
Authors: Winkler Daniel E. , Massatti Rob
Published: April 2020

Native plant materials (NPMs) are increasingly utilized during the restoration of disturbed plant communities. Here, we analyze next‐generation genetic sequencing data forHilaria jamesii, a dominant graminoid across drylands of the southwestern United States, and document that the species' only commercially‐available NPM, “Viva,” is a hybrid betweenH. jamesiiand its sister species,Hilaria mutica. In fact, hybrids between these species are common where they geographically overlap. Furthermore, we show that the “Viva” hybrid has successfully been moved beyond the hybrid zone and into the core range ofH. jamesii. The potential ramifications of introducing novel genetic material intoH. jamesiiare discussed, as well as the utility of genetic analyses to protect species' natural patterns of genetic diversity and help managers make informed decisions regarding the development and deployment of NPMs.
Big Data and Predictive Analytics in Fire Risk Using Weather Data
Authors: Agarwal Puneet , Tang Junlin , Narayanan Adithya Narayanan Lakshmi , Zhuang Jun
Published: April 2020

The objective of this article is to study the impact of weather on the damage caused by fire incidents across the United States. The article uses two sets of big data—‐fire incidents data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—to obtain a single comprehensive data set for prediction and analysis of fire risk. In the article, the loss is referred to as “Total Percent Loss,” a metric that is calculated based on the content and property loss incurred by an owner over the total value of content and property. Gradient boosting tree (GBT), a machine learning algorithm, is implemented on the processed data to predict the losses due to fire incidents. An R2 value of 0.933 and mean squared error (MSE) of 124.641 out of 10,000 signify the extent of high predictive accuracy obtained by implementing the GBT model. In addition to this, an excellent predictive performance demonstrated by the GBT model is further validated by a strong fitting between the predicted loss and the actual loss for the test data set, with an R2 value of 0.97. While analyzing the influence of each input variable on the output, it is observed that the state in which a fire incident takes place plays a major role in determining fire risk. This article provides useful insights to fire managers and researchers in the form of a detailed framework of big data and predictive analytics for effective management of fire risk.
The influence of basin setting and turbidity current properties on the dimensions of submarine lobe elements
Authors: Spychala Yvonne T. , Eggenhuisen Joris T. , Tilston Mike , Pohl Florian
Published: April 2020

Submarine lobes have been identified within various deep‐water settings, including the basin‐floor, the base of slope and the continental slope. Their dimensions and geometries are postulated to be controlled by the topographic configuration of the seabed, sediment supply system and slope gradient. Ten experiments were conducted in a three‐dimensional‐flume to study the depositional characteristics of submarine lobes associated with: (i) different basin floor gradients (0 to 4°); (ii) different sediment concentrations of the parent turbidity current (11 to 19% vol); and (iii) varying discharge (25 to 40 m3 h−1). Most runs produced lobate deposits that onlapped onto the lower slope. Deposit length was proportional to basin‐floor angle and sediment volume concentration. A higher amount of bypass is observed in the proximal area as the basin‐floor angles get steeper and sediment concentrations higher. Deposits of runs with lower discharge could be traced higher upslope while runs with higher discharge produced an area of low deposition behind the channel mouth, i.e. discharge controlled whether lobe deposits were attached or detached from their channel‐levée systems. A particle‐advection‐length scale analysis suggests that this approach can be used as a first order estimation of lobe element length. However, the estimations strongly depend on the average grain size used for calculations (for example, silt is still actively transported after all sand has been deposited) and the method cannot be used to locate the main depocentre. Furthermore, attempted reconstructions of turbidity current velocities from natural systems suggest that the method is not appropriate for use in inversions from more complex composite bodies such as lobes.
Neutralized Hegemonic Banter: The Persistence of Sexist and Racist Joking Among Undergraduate Students
Authors: Lowe Maria R. , Byron Reginald A. , O’Hara Holly , Cortez Dakota
Published: April 2020

Using a mixed methods approach, this article explores factors that contribute to undergraduate students' beliefs about the harm caused by racist and sexist jokes. Quantitative results indicate that, net of other demographic control variables, college men are less likely to agree that sexist and racist jokes are harmful. Qualitative findings shed light on this pattern via a process we callneutralized hegemonic banter. By connecting students' perspectives about the perceived harm caused by racist and sexist jokes with their larger campus experiences, we extend the literature and demonstrate the role that hegemonic masculinity plays in normalizing racist and sexist joking.
Challenges of Using Secondary Data to Study Rural Caregiving within the United States
Authors: Pedersen Daphne E. , Minnotte Krista Lynn , Ruthig Joelle C.
Published: April 2020

When health fails, rural residents often turn to informal caregivers for assistance and are more likely to do so than those living in urban areas. Scholarship is clear in demonstrating the many burdens that accrue to those providing informal care. Furthermore, caregivers in rural areas face amplified health disparities and stressors, and limited access to resources and formalized supports. Yet, the study of informal caregiving within geographic context is made difficult by the limitations inherent in existing secondary data sources. In this report, we discuss three available data sources that provide information about US caregivers: the National Family Alliance Caregiving in the US Survey; Health and Retirement Survey; and National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. These datasets illustrate common challenges of studying rural caregiving, including how to define rural residence, issues with data access, and difficulties attaining an adequate sample size. After reviewing these methodological issues, we identify two additional data sources that while promising, suffer from challenges of their own. We conclude by offering suggestions about how to capture the unique experiences of rural caregivers beyond the use of secondary data.
Segmental duplications are hot spots of copy number variants affecting barley gene content
Authors: Bretani Gianluca , Rossini Laura , Ferrandi Chiara , Russell Joanne , Waugh Robbie , Kilian Benjamin , Bagnaresi Paolo , Cattivelli Luigi , Fricano Agostino
Published: April 2020

Copy number variants (CNVs) are pervasive in several animal and plant genomes and contribute to shaping genetic diversity. In barley, there is evidence that changes in gene copy number underlie important agronomic traits. The recently released reference sequence of barley represents a valuable genomic resource for unveiling the incidence of CNVs that affect gene content and for identifying sequence features associated with CNV formation. Using exome sequencing and read count data, we detected 16 605 deletions and duplications that affect barley gene content by surveying a diverse panel of 172 cultivars, 171 landraces, 22 wild relatives and other 32 uncategorized domesticated accessions. The quest for segmental duplications (SDs) in the reference sequence revealed many low‐copy repeats, most of which overlap predicted coding sequences. Statistical analyses revealed that the incidence of CNVs increases significantly in SD‐rich regions, indicating that these sequence elements act as hot spots for the formation of CNVs. The present study delivers a comprehensive genome‐wide study of CNVs affecting barley gene content and implicates SDs in the molecular mechanisms that lead to the formation of this class of CNVs.
Pooling, room temperature, and extended storage time increase the release of adult‐specific biologic response modifiers in platelet concentrates: a hidden transfusion risk for neonates?
Authors: Waubert de Puiseau Miriam , Sciesielski Lina K. , Meyer Oliver , Liu Zhi‐Jian , Badur Chiara‐Aiyleen , Schönfeld Helge , Tauber Rudolf , Pruß Axel , Sola‐Visner Martha C. , Dame Christof
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Adult donor platelets (PLTs) are frequently transfused to prevent or stop bleeding in neonates with thrombocytopenia. There is evidence for PLT transfusion–related morbidity and mortality, leading to the hypothesis on immunomodulatory effects of transfusing adult PLTs into neonates. Candidate factors are biologic response modifiers (BRMs) that are expressed at higher rates in adult than in neonatal PLTs. This study investigated whether storage conditions or preparation methods impact on the release of those differentially expressed BRMs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Pooled PLT concentrates (PCs) and apheresis PCs (APCs) were stored under agitation for up to 7 days at room temperature (RT) or at 2 to 8°C. The BRMs CCL5/RANTES, TGFβ1, TSP1, and DKK1 were measured in PCsʼ supernatant, lysate, and corresponding plasma. PLT function was assessed by light transmission aggregometry.

RESULTS

Concerning the preparation method, higher concentrations of DKK1 were found in pooled PCs compared to APCs. In supernatants, the concentrations of CCL5, TGFβ1, TSP1, and DKK1 significantly increased, both over standard (≤4 days) and over extended storage times (7 days). Each of the four BRMs showed an up to twofold increase in concentration after storage at RT compared to cold storage (CS). There was no difference in the aggregation capacity.

CONCLUSION

This analysis shows that the release of adult‐specific BRMs during storage is lowest in short‐ and CS APCs. Our study points to strategies for reducing the exposure of sick neonates to BRMs that can be specifically associated to PLT transfusion–related morbidity.
Monoidal categorification and quantum affine algebras
Authors: Kashiwara Masaki , Kim Myungho , Oh Se-jin , Park Euiyong
Published: April 2020

We introduce and investigate new invariants of pairs of modules$M$and$N$over quantum affine algebras$U_{q}^{\prime }(\mathfrak{g})$by analyzing their associated$R$-matrices. Using these new invariants, we provide a criterion for a monoidal category of finite-dimensional integrable$U_{q}^{\prime }(\mathfrak{g})$-modules to become a monoidal categorification of a cluster algebra.
Characterization of Limit State for Seismic Fragility Assessment of T-Joints in Piping System
Authors: Dubey Ankit R. , Gupta Abhinav , Cho Sung Gook
Published: April 2020

Fragility assessment requires characterization of a component or system's performance through a performance function/limit-state equation. The exceedance of limit-state is representative of failure or damage state. For the purposes of evaluating piping fragility, characterizing the behavior of T-joints through an appropriate performance function is critical, as failures in piping are generally localized at the location of T-joints, elbows, and nozzles. Past studies have utilized a monotonic rotation-based performance function. However, the existing criteria does not account for the effect of cyclic behavior. As observed during prior experimental studies, the T-joint behavior under cyclic loading is different from that under monotonic loading, and therefore, it is important to include the effects of cyclic behavior while characterizing a performance function. Moreover, the monotonic rotation-based performance function could not replicate all the leakage locations observed during experimental studies on a full-scale two-story piping system. Therefore, it is important to develop a new limit-state for accurate piping fragility assessment. This paper presents the development of a new limit state which considers the cyclic behavior of a T-joint and quantifies the number of cycles to failure.
Heat Transfer and Hydraulic Resistance in Turbulent Flow in Vertical Round Tubes at Supercritical Pressures—Part 1: Results From Numerical Simulations Using Algebraic Turbulent Viscosity Models
Authors: Yankov Georgy G. , Kurganov Vladimir A. , Zeigarnik Yury A. , Maslakova Irina V.
Published: April 2020

The review of numerical studies on supercritical pressure (SCP) coolants heat transfer and hydraulic resistance in turbulent flow in vertical round tubes based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations and different models for turbulent viscosity is presented. The paper is the first part of the general analysis, the works based on using algebraic turbulence models of different complexity are considered in it. The main attention is paid to Petukhov–Medvetskaya and Popov et al. models. They were developed especially for simulating heat transfer in tubes of the coolants with significantly variable properties (droplet liquids, gases, and SCP fluids) under heating and cooling conditions. These predictions were verified on the entire reliable experimental database known at that time (the data for SCP H2O, CO2, N2, He, etc.). It is shown that in the case of turbulent flow in vertical round tubes, these models make it possible predicting heat transfer and hydraulic resistance characteristics of SCP flows that agree well with the existed reliable experimental data on normal and certain modes of deteriorated heat transfer, if significant influence of buoyancy and radical flow restructuring are absent. In addition, due to their relative simplicity and clearness, these methods made it possible recognizing certain important physical effects, which are useful for constructing advanced models of SCP-liquid thermohydraulics. For the more complicated cases than a flow in round vertical tubes, as well as for the case of rather strong buoyancy effect, more sophisticated prediction techniques must be applied.
Performance of a deep neural network at detecting North Atlantic right whale upcalls
Authors: Kirsebom Oliver S. , Frazao Fabio , Simard Yvan , Roy Nathalie , Matwin Stan , Giard Samuel
Published: April 2020

Passive acoustics provides a powerful tool for monitoring the endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), but robust detection algorithms are needed to handle diverse and variable acoustic conditions and differences in recording techniques and equipment. This paper investigates the potential of deep neural networks (DNNs) for addressing this need. ResNet, an architecture commonly used for image recognition, was trained to recognize the time-frequency representation of the characteristic North Atlantic right whale upcall. The network was trained on several thousand examples recorded at various locations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2018 and 2019, using different equipment and deployment techniques. Used as a detection algorithm on fifty 30-min recordings from the years 2015–2017 containing over one thousand upcalls, the network achieved recalls up to 80% while maintaining a precision of 90%. Importantly, the performance of the network improved as more variance was introduced into the training dataset, whereas the opposite trend was observed using a conventional linear discriminant analysis approach. This study demonstrates that DNNs can be trained to identify North Atlantic right whale upcalls under diverse and variable conditions with a performance that compares favorably to that of existing algorithms.
Multi-modal cross-linguistic perception of fricatives in clear speech
Authors: Cho Sylvia , Jongman Allard , Wang Yue , Sereno Joan A.
Published: April 2020

Research shows that acoustic modifications in clearly enunciated fricative consonants (relative to the plain, conversational productions) facilitate auditory fricative perception, particularly for auditorily salient sibilant fricatives and for native perception. However, clear-speech effects on visual fricative perception have received less attention. A comparison of auditory and visual (facial) clear-fricative perception is particularly interesting since sibilant fricatives in English are more auditorily salient while non-sibilants are more visually salient. This study thus examines clear-speech effects on multi-modal perception of English sibilant and non-sibilant fricatives. Native English perceivers and non-native (Mandarin, Korean) perceivers with different fricative inventories in their native languages (L1s) identified clear and conversational fricative-vowel syllables in audio-only, visual-only, and audio-visual (AV) modes. The results reveal an overall positive clear-speech effect when visual information is involved. Considering the factor of AV saliency, clear speech benefits sibilants more in the auditory domain and non-sibilants more in the visual domain. With respect to language background, non-native (Mandarin and Korean) perceivers benefit from visual as well as auditory information, even for fricatives non-existent in their respective L1s, but the patterns of clear-speech gains are affected by the relative AV weighting and “nativeness” of the fricatives. These findings are discussed in terms of how saliency-enhancing and category-distinctive cues of speech sounds are adopted in AV perception to improve intelligibility.
“Don’t Be Stupid, Stupid!” Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques to Reduce Irrational Beliefs and Enhance Focus in a Youth Tennis Player
Authors: Sille Richard A. , Turner Martin J. , Eubank Martin R.
Published: April 2020

This case reports the intervention approach the first author adopted while working with a youth tennis player. The athlete held irrational beliefs and was struggling to maintain emotional control. The neophyte sport psychology practitioner adopted a cognitive-behavioral approach to practice. The intervention focused on (a) using rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) to replace unhelpful beliefs about unforced errors with a new rational philosophy and (b) using a distraction-control plan to restructure the player’s thoughts and beliefs in relation to opponents’ perceived gamesmanship. Intervention effectiveness was evaluated through qualitative data from the athlete and his parents and the reflections of the practitioner. Feedback suggests that REBT and distraction-control plans can be effective in helping youth athletes manage their thought patterns and improve emotional control during competition. This case also demonstrates the importance of practitioners’ having a flexible and adaptable approach to practice—one that meets individual client needs.
Blood Flow Restriction Training in Clinical Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Critically Appraised Paper
Authors: Jacobson Jordan , Chaltron Cale , Sherman David , Glaviano Neal R.
Published: April 2020

Focused Clinical Question: Is low-load exercise training with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) more effective at increasing muscle strength compared to low-level (LL) or high-level (HL) exercise training in individuals with muscle weakness? Clinical Bottom Line: The results of the systematic review with meta-analysis concluded that there is evidence to support the belief that LL-BFR may increase muscle strength beyond LL exercise training alone, while HL training will produce greater strength increases compared to both LL-BFR and LL training.
Do Lower-Limb Kinematic and Kinetic Asymmetries Transfer Across Sprint Running and Countermovement Jumps in University Rugby Union Players?
Authors: Vizard Lewis J. , Peden Gareth , Wdowski Maximilian M.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to examine if lower-limb kinetic and kinematic asymmetries are transferred between sprint running and countermovement jumps in a group of university Rugby Union players. Eight university Rugby Union players (20.3 ± 1.6 years) participated in the study. Three-dimensional kinematic and force platform data recorded sprint runs and countermovement jumps. Across the two movements there was a substantial and moderate level of agreement for the ankle range of motion and peak normalized ground reaction force, respectively. No significant differences were observed between interlimb kinematic and kinetic variables at the group level. Lower-limb asymmetries may be transferred across dynamic movements and are present at the individual level.
Concurrent Local Delivery of Diflunisal Limits Bone Destruction but Fails To Improve Systemic Vancomycin Efficacy during Staphylococcus aureus Osteomyelitis
Authors: Spoonmore Thomas J. , Ford Caleb A. , Curry Jacob M. , Guelcher Scott A. , Cassat James E.
Published: April 2020

Staphylococcus aureus
osteomyelitis is a debilitating infection of bone. Treatment of osteomyelitis is impaired by the propensity of invading bacteria to induce pathological bone remodeling that may limit antibiotic penetration to the infectious focus. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diflunisal was previously identified as an osteoprotective adjunctive therapy for osteomyelitis, based on the ability of this compound to inhibit
S. aureus
quorum sensing and subsequent quorum-dependent toxin production.
Microbial Communities of Orange Tubercles in Accelerated Low-Water Corrosion
Authors: Phan Hoang C. , Wade Scott A. , Blackall Linda L.
Published: April 2020

The presence of orange tubercles on marine steel pilings is often used as an indication that accelerated low-water corrosion is taking place. We studied the microbial communities in attached orange tubercles on two closely located sheet pilings that were of different steel types. The attached orange tubercles were visually similar, but the extents of underlying corrosion on the different steel surfaces were substantially different. No clear difference was found between the microbial communities present on the two different types of sheet piling. However, there were clear differences in the microbial communities in the corrosion layers of tubercles, which were also different from the microbes present in adjacent seawater. The overall results suggest that the presence of orange tubercles, a single measurement of water quality, or the detection of certain general types of microbes (e.g., sulfate-reducing bacteria) should not be taken alone as definitive indications of accelerated corrosion.
Evaluation of Transport Media and Specimen Transport Conditions for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Use of Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR
Authors: Rogers Amy A. , Baumann Russell E. , Borillo Gwynngelle A. , Kagan Ron M. , Batterman Hollis J. , Galdzicka Marzena M. , Marlowe Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2020

The global coronavirus (CoV) disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a worldwide shortage of viral transport media and raised questions about specimen stability. The objective of this study was to determine the stability of severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in specimen transport media under various storage conditions. Transport media tested included UTM, UTM-RT, ESwab, M4, and saline (0.9% NaCl). Specimen types tested included nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs in the above-named transport media, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and sputum.
Utility of Procalcitonin as a Biomarker for Sepsis in Children
Authors: Downes Kevin J. , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Weiss Scott L.
Published: April 2020

Sepsis is a complex process defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates in both adults and children, and emphasis has been placed on its early recognition and prompt provision of antimicrobials. Owing to limitations of current diagnostic tests (i.e., poor sensitivity and delayed results), significant research has been conducted to identify sepsis biomarkers. Ideally, a biomarker could reliably and rapidly distinguish bacterial infection from other, noninfectious causes of systemic inflammatory illness.
Virologic and Immunologic Features of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Control Post-ART Interruption in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Strongin Zachary , Micci Luca , Fromentin Rémi , Harper Justin , McBrien Julia , Ryan Emily , Shenvi Neeta , Easley Kirk , Chomont Nicolas , Silvestri Guido , Paiardini Mirko
Published: April 2020

While effective, antiretroviral therapy is not a cure for HIV infection. Therefore, there is great interest in achieving viral remission in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. Posttreatment controllers represent a small subset of individuals who are able to control HIV after cessation of antiretroviral therapy, but characteristics associated with these individuals have been largely limited to peripheral blood analysis. Here, we identified 7 SIV-infected rhesus macaques that mirrored the human posttreatment controller phenotype and performed immunologic and virologic analysis of blood, lymph node, and colorectal biopsy samples to further understand the characteristics that distinguish them from noncontrollers. Lower viral burden and preservation of immune homeostasis, including intestinal Th17 cells, both before and after ART, were shown to be two major factors associated with the ability to achieve posttreatment control. Overall, these results move the field further toward understanding of important characteristics of viral control in the absence of antiretroviral therapy.
Genetic Characterization of Influenza A Viruses in Japanese Swine in 2015 to 2019
Authors: Mine Junki , Uchida Yuko , Takemae Nobuhiro , Saito Takehiko
Published: April 2020

Understanding the current status of influenza A viruses of swine (IAVs-S) and their evolution at the farm level is important for controlling these pathogens. Efforts to monitor IAVs-S during 2015 to 2019 yielded H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 viruses. H1 genes in Japanese swine formed a unique clade in the classical swine H1 lineage of 1A.1, and H3 genes originating from 1999–2000 human seasonal influenza viruses appear to have become established among Japanese swine. A(H1N1)pdm09-derived H1 genes became introduced repeatedly and reassorted with endemic IAVs-S, resulting in various combinations of surface and internal genes among pig populations in Japan. At the farm level, multiple introductions of IAVs-S with phylogenetically distinct HA sequences occurred, or IAVs-S derived from a single introduction have persisted for at least 3 years with only a single mutation at the antigenic site of the HA protein. Continued monitoring of IAVs-S is necessary to update and maximize control strategies.