bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending the range of additivity in using inclusive fitness
Authors: Levin Samuel R. , Grafen Alan
Published: February 2021

Inclusive fitness is a concept widely utilized by social biologists as the quantity organisms appear designed to maximize. However, inclusive fitness theory has long been criticized on the (uncontested) grounds that other quantities, such as offspring number, predict gene frequency changes accurately in a wider range of mathematical models. Here, we articulate a set of modeling assumptions that extend the range of scenarios in which inclusive fitness can be applied. We reanalyze recent formal analyses that searched for, but did not find, inclusive fitness maximization. We show (a) that previous models have not used Hamilton's definition of inclusive fitness, (b) a reinterpretation of Hamilton's definition that makes it usable in this context, and (c) that under the assumption of probabilistic mixing of phenotypes, inclusive fitness is indeed maximized in these models. We also show how to understand mathematically, and at an individual level, the definition of inclusive fitness, in an explicit population genetic model in which exact additivity is not assumed. We hope that in articulating these modeling assumptions and providing formal support for inclusive fitness maximization, we help bridge the gap between empiricists and theoreticians, which in some ways has been widening, demonstrating to mathematicians why biologists are content to use inclusive fitness, and offering one way to utilize inclusive fitness in general models of social behavior.
Contrasting patterns in the occurrence and biomass centers of gravity among fish and macroinvertebrates in a continental shelf ecosystem
Authors: Friedland Kevin D. , Smoliński Szymon , Tanaka Kisei R.
Published: February 2021

The distribution of a group of fish and macroinvertebrates (n = 52) resident in the US Northeast Shelf large marine ecosystem were characterized with species distribution models (SDM), which in turn were used to estimate occurrence and biomass center of gravity (COG). The SDMs were fit using random forest machine learning and were informed with a range of physical and biological variables. The estimated probability of occurrence and biomass from the models provided the weightings to determine depth, distance to the coast, and along‐shelf distance COG. The COGs of occupancy and biomass habitat tended to be separated by distances averaging 50 km, which approximates half of the minor axis of the subject ecosystem. During the study period (1978–2018), the biomass COG has tended to shift to further offshore positions whereas occupancy habitat has stayed at a regular spacing from the coastline. Both habitat types have shifted their along‐shelf distances, indicating a general movement to higher latitude or to the Northeast for this ecosystem. However, biomass tended to occur at lower latitudes in the spring and higher latitude in the fall in a response to seasonal conditions. Distribution of habitat in relation to depth reveals a divergence in response with occupancy habitat shallowing over time and biomass habitat distributing in progressively deeper water. These results suggest that climate forced change in distribution will differentially affect occurrence and biomass of marine taxa, which will likely affect the organization of ecosystems and the manner in which human populations utilize marine resources.
Modeling herbivore functional responses causing boom‐bust dynamics following predator removal
Authors: Haller‐Bull Vanessa , Bode Michael
Published: February 2021

Native biodiversity is threatened by invasive species in many terrestrial and marine systems, and conservation managers have demonstrated successes by responding with eradication or control programs. Although invasive species are often the direct cause of threat to native species, ecosystems can react in unexpected ways to their removal or reduction. Here, we use theoretical models to predict boom‐bust dynamics, where the removal of predatory or competitive pressure from a native herbivore results in oscillatory population dynamics (boom‐bust), which can endanger the native species’ population in the short term. We simulate control activities, applied to multiple theoretical three‐species Lotka‐Volterra ecosystem models consisting of vegetation, a native herbivore, and an invasive predator. Based on these communities, we then develop a predictive tool that—based on relative parameter values—predicts whether control efforts directed at the invasive predator will lead to herbivore release followed by a crash. Further, by investigating the different functional responses, we show that model structure, as well as model parameters, are important determinants of conservation outcomes. Finally, control strategies that can mitigate these negative consequences are identified. Managers working in similar data‐poor ecosystems can use the predictive tool to assess the probability that their system will exhibit boom‐bust dynamics, without knowing exact community parameter values.
Close encounters of the fatal kind: Landscape features associated with central mountain caribou mortalities
Authors: McKay Tracy L. , Pigeon Karine E. , Larsen Terrence A. , Finnegan Laura A.
Published: February 2021

In western Canada, anthropogenic disturbances resulting from resource extraction activities are associated with habitat loss and altered predator–prey dynamics. These habitat changes are linked to increased predation risk and unsustainable mortality rates for caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). To inform effective habitat restoration, our goal was to examine whether specific linear disturbance features were associated with caribou predation in central mountain caribou ranges. We used predation‐caused caribou mortalities and caribou GPS‐collar data collected between 2008 and 2015 to assess caribou predation risk within and outside of protected areas at four spatio‐temporal scales: habitat use during the (a) 30 days, (b) 7 days, and (c) 24 hours prior to caribou being killed, and (d) characteristics at caribou kill site locations. Outside of protected areas, predation risk increased closer to pipelines, seismic lines, and streams. Within protected areas, predation risk increased closer to alpine habitat. Factors predicting predation risk differed among spatio‐temporal scales and linear feature types: predation risk increased closer to pipelines during the 30 and 7 days prior to caribou being killed and closer to seismic lines during the 30 days, 7 days, and 24 hours prior, but decreased closer to roads during the 30 days prior to being killed. By assessing habitat use prior to caribou being killed, we identified caribou predation risk factors that would not have been detected by analysis of kill site locations alone. These results provide further evidence that restoration of anthropogenic linear disturbance features should be an immediate priority for caribou recovery in central mountain caribou ranges.
Does parental angling selection affect the behavior or metabolism of brown trout parr?
Authors: Prokkola Jenni M. , Alioravainen Nico , Mehtätalo Lauri , Hyvärinen Pekka , Lemopoulos Alexandre , Metso Sara , Vainikka Anssi
Published: February 2021

The behavior of organisms can be subject to human‐induced selection such as that arising from fishing. Angling is expected to induce mortality on fish with bold and explorative behavior, which are behaviors commonly linked to a high standard metabolic rate. We studied the transgenerational response of brown trout (Salmo trutta) to angling‐induced selection by examining the behavior and metabolism of 1‐year‐old parr between parents that were or were not captured by experimental fly fishing. We performed the angling selection experiment on both a wild and a captive population, and compared the offspring for standard metabolic rate and behavior under predation risk in common garden conditions. Angling had population‐specific effects on risk taking and exploration tendency, but no effects on standard metabolic rate. Our study adds to the evidence that angling can induce transgenerational responses on fish personality. However, understanding the mechanisms of divergent responses between the populations requires further study on the selectivity of angling in various conditions.
Diet overlap among non‐native trout species and native cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)in two U.S. ecoregions
Authors: Minder Mario , Arsenault Emily R. , Erdenee Bolortsetseg , Maasri Alain , Pyron Mark
Published: February 2021

The invasion of freshwater ecosystems by non‐native species can constitute a significant threat to native species and ecosystem health. Non‐native trouts have long been stocked in areas where native trouts occur and have negatively impacted native trouts through predation, competition, and hybridization. This study encompassed two seasons of sampling efforts across two ecoregions of the western United States: The Great Basin in summer 2016 and the Yellowstone River Basin in summer 2017. We found significant dietary overlaps among native and non‐native trouts within the Great Basin and Yellowstone River Basin ecoregions. Three orders of invertebrates (Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Diptera) composed the majority of stomach contents and were responsible for driving the observed patterns. Great Basin trout had higher body conditions (k), and non‐native Great Basin trout had higher gut fullness values than Yellowstone River Basin trout, indicating a possible limitation of food in the Yellowstone River Basin. Native fishes were the least abundant and had the lowest body condition in each ecoregion. These findings may indicate a negative impact on native trouts by non‐native trouts. We recommend additional monitoring of native and non‐native trout diets, regular invertebrate surveys to identify the availability of diet items, and reconsidering stocking efforts that can result in overlap of non‐native fishes with native cutthroat trout.
Species‐specific responses of a marsh‐forest ecotone plant community responding to climate change
Authors: Jobe Justus Grant Dalton , Gedan Keryn
Published: February 2021

Ecotones are responsive to environmental change and pave a path for succession as they move across the landscape. We investigated the biotic and abiotic filters to species establishment on opposite ends of a tidal marsh‐forest ecotone that is moving inland in response to sea level rise. We transplanted four plant species common to the ecotone to the leading or trailing edge of the migrating ecotone, with and without caging to protect them from ungulate herbivores. We found that species exhibited an individualistic response to abiotic and biotic pressures in this ecotone; three species performed better at the leading edge of the ecotone in the coastal forest, whereas one performed better at the trailing edge in the marsh. Specifically, grass species Phragmites australis and Panicum virgatum grew more in the low light and low salinity conditions of the leading edge of the ecotone (forest), whereas the shrub Iva frutescens grew better in the high light, high salinity conditions of the trailing edge of the ecotone (marsh). Furthermore, of the four species, only P. australis was affected by the biotic pressure of herbivory by an introduced ungulate, Cervus nippon, which greatly reduced its biomass and survival at the leading edge (forest). P. australis is an aggressive invasive species and has been observed to dominate in the wake of migrating marsh‐forest ecotones. Our findings detail the role of lower salinity stress to promote and herbivory pressure to inhibit the establishment of P. australis during shifts of this ecotone, and also highlight an interaction between two nonnative species, P. australis and C. nippon. Understanding migration of the marsh‐forest ecotone and the factors controlling P. australis establishment are critical for marsh conservation in the face of sea level rise. More generally, our findings support the conclusion that the abiotic and biotic filters of a migrating ecotone shape the resulting community.
GFI1/HDAC1‐axis differentially regulates immunosuppressive CD73 in human tumor‐associated FOXP3+Th17 and inflammation‐linked Th17 cells
Authors: Roy Dia , Bose Sayantan , Pati Subhadip , Guin Aharna , Banerjee Krishnendu , Saha Sudipto , Singhal Ayush K. , Chakraborty Jayati , Sarkar Diptendra K. , Sa Gaurisankar
Published: February 2021

Plasticity between Th17 and Treg cells is regarded as a crucial determinant of tumor‐associated immunosuppression. Classically Th17 cells mediate inflammatory responses through production of cytokine IL17. Recently, Th17 cells have also been shown to acquire suppressive phenotypes in tumor microenvironment. However, the mechanism by which they acquire such immunosuppressive properties is still elusive. Here, we report that in tumor microenvironment Th17 cell acquires immunosuppressive properties by expressing Treg lineage‐specific transcription factor FOXP3 and ectonucleotidase CD73. We designate this cell as Th17reg cell and perceive that such immunosuppressive property is dependent on CD73. It was observed that in classical Th17 cell, GFI1 recruits HDAC1 to change the euchromatin into tightly‐packed heterochromatin at the proximal‐promoter region of CD73 to repress its expression. Whereas in Th17reg cells GFI1 cannot get access to CD73‐promoter due to heterochromatin state at its binding site and, thus, cannot recruit HDAC1, failing to suppress the expression of CD73.
Lexicon‐pointed hybrid N‐gram Features Extraction Model (LeNFEM) for sentence level sentiment analysis
Authors: Mutinda James , Mwangi Waweru , Okeyo George
Published: February 2021

Sentiment analysis of social media textual posts can provide information and knowledge that is applicable in social settings, business intelligence, evaluation of citizens' opinions in governance, and in mood triggered devices in the Internet of Things. Feature extraction and selection is a key determinant of accuracy and computational cost of machine learning models for such analysis. Most feature extraction and selection techniques utilize bag of words, N‐grams, and frequency‐based algorithms especially Term Frequency‐Inverse Document Frequency. However, these approaches do not consider relationships between words, they ignore words' characteristics and they suffer high feature dimensionality. In this paper we propose and evaluate a feature extraction and selection approach that utilizes a fixed hybrid N‐gram window for feature extraction and minimum redundancy maximum relevance feature selection algorithm for sentence level sentiment analysis. The approach improves the existing features extraction techniques, specifically the N‐gram by generating a hybrid vector from words, Part of Speech (POS) tags, and word semantic orientation. The vector is extracted by using a static trigram window identified by a lexicon where a sentiment word appears in a sentence. A blend of the words, POS tags, and the sentiment orientations of the static trigram are used to build the feature vector. The optimal features from the vector are then selected using minimum redundancy maximum relevance (MRMR) algorithm. Experiments were carried out using the public Yelp dataset to compare the performance of the proposed model and existing feature extraction models (BOW, normal N‐grams and lexicon‐based bag of words semantic orientations). Using supervised machine learning classifiers the experimental results showed that the proposed model had the highest F‐measure (88.64%) compared to the highest (83.55%) from baseline approaches. Wilcoxon test carried out ascertained that the proposed approach performed significantly better than the baseline approaches. Comparative performance analysis with other datasets further affirmed that the proposed approach is generalizable.
Reliability analysis of station autonomous computer system based on fuzzy dynamic fault tree and Markov model
Authors: Yan Lu , Zhang Tao , Gao Ying , Wang Rongsheng , Ding Shuxin
Published: February 2021

Station autonomous computer system is the core of the centralized traffic control (CTC) system. The working mode is dual computer hot standby, and its reliability is very important. Due to the dynamic and fuzzy issue with the reliability analysis of station autonomous computer system, a reliability analysis method is formulated based on fuzzy dynamic fault tree (DFT) and Markov model. First, the structure and working principle of the dual computer hot standby autonomous computer system and the double 2‐vote‐2 autonomous computer system are analyzed, and two autonomous computer systems based on DFT are formulated. Then, the failure rates and the fault detection probabilities are considered as fuzzy variables and represented as triangular fuzzy variables. The fuzzy state transition matrix of the system is obtained by conversion of DFT to the Markov model. Finally, the fuzzy reliability of the system is calculated by Laplace transform. Simulation results show that the reliability of the dual computer hot standby autonomous computer system is higher than that of the double 2‐vote‐2 autonomous computer system. Besides, the reliability of the hardware system is not only related to the structure of the system, but also affected by the uncertain unit failure rate, fault detection probabilities, and so on.
Breakthrough studies of the adsorption of lead from synthetic solution using Liagora viscida in a fixed bed column
Authors: Srikanth Komarabathina , King Pulipati , Pujari Murali
Published: February 2021

Considering the toxicity, the removal of heavy metals from the liquid effluent is of great significance. This article addresses the impact of the adsorbent bed height and flowrate on the adsorption performance and breakthrough curves in column studies. To explore the potential of Liagora viscida biosorbent, adsorption experiments were conducted in a packed column at various bed heights in the range of 2 to 6 cm and flow rates in the range of 10 to 20 ml/min. The maximum uptake of 53.90 mg/g has been achieved at the flow rate of 20 ml/min for an initial metal solution concentration of 20 ppm and pH and bed height of 6 and 2 cm, respectively. In the current study, the breakthrough (tb) and exhaust times (ts) correspond to 0.1 and 0.9, respectively. To predict the breakthrough characteristics, the experimental data were tested using Bohart‐Adam (B‐A), Bed Depth Service Time (BDST), Thomas, and Yoon‐Nelson (Y‐N) models. The experimental results confirmed that all three models except the Bohart‐Adams model were suitable for the experimental data with a good correlation coefficient.
The ripples of modernity: How we can extend paleoanthropology with the extended evolutionary synthesis
Authors: Kissel Marc , Fuentes AgustÍn
Published: February 2021

Contemporary understandings of paleoanthropological data illustrate that the search for a line defining, or a specific point designating, “modern human” is problematic. Here we lend support to the argument for the need to look for patterns in the paleoanthropological record that indicate how multiple evolutionary processes intersected to form the human niche, a concept critical to assessing the development and processes involved in the emergence of a contemporary human phenotype. We suggest that incorporating key elements of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) into our endeavors offers a better and more integrative toolkit for modeling and assessing the evolution of the genusHomo. To illustrate our points, we highlight how aspects of the genetic exchanges, morphology, and material culture of the later Pleistocene complicate the concept of “modern” human behavior and suggest that multiple evolutionary patterns, processes, and pathways intersected to form the human niche.
High‐definition three‐dimensional exoscope for head and neck reconstruction: Prospective analysis of 27 consecutive patients
Authors: De Virgilio Armando , Costantino Andrea , Ferreli Fabio , Malvezzi Luca , Zocchi Jacopo , Pellini Raul , Mercante Giuseppe , Spriano Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of a three‐dimensional (3D) operating exoscope (OE) in head and neck free flap reconstruction.

Methods

Twenty‐seven consecutive patients (females: 8; mean age: 57.0) were included. After each procedure, both surgeon and nurse were asked to fill out a tailored questionnaire on a three‐point Likert scale including 12 items.

Results

All microvascular anastomoses were successfully completed, and no related complications were detected with a final free flap survival rate of 100% (mean follow‐up of 5.6 months, SD: 3.1 months). The ergonomics, the ease of use, and the possibility to share the view among all the OR members were the best‐rated items by the surgeons, while the luminance of the surgical field and the eye strain determined by the 3D glasses can still be improved.

Conclusion

Further comparative clinical studies are needed to clarify its real value in substitution to a conventional operating microscope.
Emerging applications of phase change materials: A concise review of recent advances
Authors: Faraji Hamza , Benkaddour Ayman , Oudaoui Kenza , El Alami Mustapha , Faraji Mustapha
Published: February 2021

Phase change materials (PCMs) are used as latent heat thermal energy storage materials. The fields of application for PCMs are broad and diverse. Among these areas are thermal control of electronic components and thermal building regulations. These areas are used as heat and cold storage materials. The low thermal conductivity of PCMs is one of the significant and severe technological problems of PCMs. This paper presents a review of the latest works using PCMs in the thermal management of electronic components, buildings, and heat exchangers. Besides, it provides concise pieces of information on the classification of PCMs, their advantages, disadvantages, and thermal storage systems.
Micropolar couple stress thermofluidics and entropy in Forchheimer channel
Authors: Vyas Paresh , Khan Sahanawaz , Gajanand
Published: February 2021

This paper presents an analysis of the entropy generated in thermofluidic configuration involving micropolar couple stress fluid flow inside a Forchheimer channel. The channel is composed of a porous medium trapped between two parallel permeable plates separated by distance H through which the fluid can be sucked out/injected in. One of the plate bears a constant temperature and other is subjected to a uniform heat flux. A Cartesian coordinate system is chosen to model the flow configuration. The nondimensional nonlinear governing equations are solved by the differential transform method and Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method to ascertain the accuracy of the results. Both the methods do match to the order of 10−6 for the quantities velocity, microrotation, and temperature. These quantities and their gradients are required to the compute entropy generation number. The effects of the parameters on entropy generation and Bejan number are discussed through various plots.
The economic impact of legislative complexity and corruption: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Di Vita Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

This article analyses the relationship between corruption and legislative complexity, their impact on growth rate, and per capita income distribution. An econometric analysis is performed using a new index of legislative complexity, built in a way that makes it internationally comparable. In the dataset, 67 countries are considered, for a period of 21 years from 1995 to 2015. The OLS and 2SLS regressions are provided. The results of the econometric analysis support the hypothesis that legislative complexity is a constraint to growth, and that in countries with a long history of liberal democracy legislative complexity determines an income redistribution to the detriment of the poorer social classes.
Time‐varyingcausality between bond and oil markets of the United States: Evidence from over one and half centuries of data
Authors: Coronado Semei , Gupta Rangan , Nazlioglu Saban , Rojas Omar
Published: February 2021

This paper analyzes the time‐varying causality between government bond and oil returns of the United States over the monthly period of 1859:10 to 2019:03, that is, the longest possible span of historical data, starting from the beginning of the modern era of the petroleum industry. While the standard constant parameter causality test fails to pick up any evidence of causality, the time‐varying framework shows evidence of bi‐directional spillovers over the entire sample period. The results are robust to the inclusion of stock returns as a control variable in the model. We also detect evidence of time‐varying causality‐in‐volatility between sovereign bond and oil markets, as well as spillovers in returns and volatility from the oil market to corporate bonds.
Motives and market reactions to convertible bonds and bonds with warrants issuance in an emerging market
Authors: Kim Woo Sung , Oh Sekyung , Kiymaz Halil
Published: February 2021

We examine why Korean firms issue hybrid securities, including convertible bonds and bonds with warrants. In particular, we investigate whether there exist any differences between companies issuing convertible bonds and those issuing bonds with warrants. Our findings show that younger firms with more growth opportunities, larger size, high leverage, low profitability, low credit rating, and low ownership concentrations are likely to issue more hybrid securities rather than straight debt or equity. Also, we find that firms with more growth opportunities, larger size, low profitability, and higher ownership concentrations prefer to issue convertible bonds rather than bonds with warrants. Although we find that the announcement effects of both convertible bonds and bonds with warrants are significantly positive, the cumulative abnormal returns are higher for convertible bonds than for bonds with warrants.
Local IPO waves, local shocks, and the going public decision
Authors: Baschieri Giulia , Carosi Andrea , Mengoli Stefano
Published: February 2021

Local IPO waves occur when firms from different industries, but located in the same area, go public in the same time period. We classify IPOs within industry IPO waves and within local IPO waves, and see that the sub‐samples of IPOs on the wave by industry only slightly overlap IPOs on the wave by region; IPO waves by region are similar to IPO waves by industry: for example, early‐in‐the‐wave IPOs are equally more underpriced than late‐in‐the‐wave IPOs. We also find the listing decision is sensitive not only to high valuations of firms in the same industry but also to high valuations of firms in the same region but in different industries. Our results do not support information spillover as a driver of local IPO waves, as the post‐IPO fall in profitability is more pronounced for on‐the‐wave than for off‐the‐wave IPO firms and the IPO price revision is not sensitive to the information revealed by concurrent IPOs. Using a difference‐in‐difference approach, we show that regions hosting IPO waves experience a parallel increase in several economic ratios post the wave. Overall, our results provide support to local IPO waves originating in positive local shocks.
Effectiveness of laparoscopic tubal anastomosis in tubal occlusion patients after laparoscopic salpingostomy for tubal pregnancy
Authors: Xiang Yingchun , Huang Wei , Fu Jing , Luo Li , Wang Qian , Ouyang Yunwei
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic tubal anastomosis for tubal occlusions associated with infertility in patients with previous laparoscopic salpingostomy for ectopic pregnancy.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of the pregnancy outcomes of 173 infertile patients who underwent hysteroscopy and laparoscopic tubal anastomosis treatment between January 2013 and August 2018 in the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology in West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University. All patients had a history of laparoscopic salpingostomy for tubal pregnancy. The primary outcomes were intrauterine pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, and delivery rates. We further studied the associated factors that could influence the change in pregnancy status.

Results

The 24‐month cumulative clinical pregnancy rate of all patients was 107/173 (61.8%). The distribution of outcomes for the entire group of pregnancies was as follows: intrauterine pregnancy rate, 76/173 (43.9%); ectopic pregnancy rate, 31/173 (17.9%); delivery rate, 68/173 (39.3%); and miscarriage rate, 8/173 (4.6%). Age, type of anastomosis, hydrosalpinx, and endometrial polyps were significant prognostic factors in the multivariate model.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic tubal anastomosis is an effective treatment for tubal‐associated infertility due to previous laparoscopic salpingostomy for ectopic pregnancy, especially for women under 35 years of age.
Deep learning based Alzheimer's disease early diagnosis using T2w segmented gray matter MRI
Authors: Basheera Shaik , Ram M Satya Sai
Published: February 2021

Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease at early stage required an effective classification mechanism to differentiate mild cognitive impairment from cognitive normal and AD. In this paper, we used data set collected from ADNI and OASIS. Instead of using the whole volume of the MRI, high informative slices are selected using entropy. The selected slices are pre‐processed by removing unwanted tissues using skull stripping algorithm and extracted gray matter using EICA. In this work, we used CNN model with inception blocks to extract deep features from the GM slices used to predict AD at early stage. The model avoids data leakage by considering all the slices of an MRI as a unit. The model trained with 80% of ADNI subject MRI volumes and tested with the remaining 20% subject MRI volumes, to provide great variance in training and testing data, the model further tested with OASIS data sets. 10‐fold cross‐validation is used to test the model without biasing. The model performance is evaluated using accuracy. The model achieves 98.73%, 100%, 93.72%, and 95.6% of accuracy for differentiating CN‐MCI, CN‐AD, AD‐ MCI and CN‐MCI and AD. At 10‐fold cross‐validation it gives 92.92 ± 3%, 98 ± 2%, 90 ± 4% and 94.9 ± 2% accuracy to differentiate CN‐MCI, CN‐AD, AD‐MCI, and CN‐MCI‐AD using ADNI. We further tested the model with 135 MRI volumes selected from OASIS data set, we achieved 92%, 91.76%, 88.23%, 81.48% of accuracy with CN‐AD, MCI‐AD, CN‐MCI, and three‐way classification. The model gives good accuracy and sensitivity of early AD Diagnosis.
Institutional Research and Human Resources: Partnering to Advance Decision Support for Our Greatest Investment
Authors: Bramblett Sandra
Published: February 2021

Human resources (HR) represent the most significant investment on most of our college campuses in terms of time and financial resources. The importance of good data about the workforce begins with establishing a need for a new position. That need for data continues with recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, retaining (or not), and retiring faculty and staff. Understanding how institutional research (IR) can provide evidence and decision support for this process should generate considerable returns for campus leadership with increased transactional efficiencies and enhanced strategic decisions. Identifying best practices and new approaches for collaboration between the functions involving human resources and institutional research benefits the institution, their stakeholders, and, ultimately, the faculty and staff.
Evaluation of the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin and nanocurcumin against paraquat‐induced liver injury in rats: Modulation of oxidative stress and Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Kheiripour Nejat , Plarak Alireza , Heshmati Ali , Asl Sara Soleimani , Mehri Fereshteh , Ebadollahi‐Natanzi Alireza , Ranjbar Akram , Hosseini Asieh
Published: February 2021

Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide all over the world, which is highly toxic for animals and humans. Its cytotoxicity is based on reactive radical generation. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin and nanocurcumin against liver damage caused by sub‐acute exposure with PQ via modulation of oxidative stress and genes expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Rats were exposed to PQ (5 mg/kg/day, orally) + curcumin or nanocurcumin (100 mg/kg/day, orally) for 7 days. Then rats were anesthetized and serum and liver samples were collected. Next, serum enzymatic activities, liver histopathology, oxidative stress, and expression of genes involved in Nrf2 signaling pathway were assessed by biochemical and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay methods, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. PQ significantly increased malondialdehyde, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase levels, and Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 gene expression and also decreased total antioxidant capacity, total thiol group levels, Glutathione S‐transferases, heme oxygenase 1, Nrf2, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 genes expression, causing histological damages to liver tissue. These changes were significantly modulated by curcumin and nanocurcumin treatments. Our findings showed that nanocurcumin had better hepatoprotective effect than curcumin in liver damage after PQ exposure most likely through modulation of oxidative stress and genes expression of Nrf2 pathway.
Efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy for COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vegivinti Charan T. R. , Pederson John M. , Saravu Kavitha , Gupta Nitin , Evanson Kirk W. , Kamrowski Shelby , Schmidt Megan , Barrett Averi , Trent Hannah , Dibas Mahmoud , Reierson Natalie L. , Mikoff Nick , Pisipati Sailaja , Joseph Betsy A. , Selvan Pragadeesh T. , Dmytriw Adam A. , Pulakurthi Yashwitha S. , Keesari Praneeth R. , Sriram Varsha , Chittajallu Spandana , Brinjikji Waleed , Katamreddy Rewanth R. , Chibbar Richa , Davis Amber R. , Malpe Manashree , Mishra Hemant K. , Kallmes Kevin M. , Hassan Ameer E.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to examine clinical outcomes associated with convalescent plasma therapy in COVID‐19 patients. We performed a literature search on PubMed, medRxiv, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify studies published up to December 10th, 2020 that examined the efficacy of convalescent plasma treatment for COVID‐19. The primary endpoints were mortality, clinical improvement, and hospital length of stay. We screened 859 studies that met the search criteria, performed full‐text reviews of 56 articles, and identified 15 articles that fulfilled inclusion criteria for meta‐analysis. The odds of mortality were significantly lower in the convalescent plasma group compared to the control group (OR = 0.59 [95% CI = 0.44; 0.78], P < .001), although results from two key randomized controlled trials did not support the mortality benefit. The odds of clinical improvement were significantly higher in the convalescent plasma group compared to the control group (OR = 2.02 [95% CI = 1.54; 2.65], P < .001). There was no difference in hospital length of stay between the convalescent plasma group and the control group (MD = −0.49 days [95% CI = −3.11; 2.12], P = .713). In all, these data indicate that a mortality benefit with convalescent plasma is unclear, although there remain benefits with convalescent plasma therapy for COVID‐19.
Chalcogen bonds: Hierarchical ab initio benchmark and density functional theory performance study
Authors: de Azevedo Santos Lucas , Ramalho Teodorico C. , Hamlin Trevor A. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: February 2021

We have performed a hierarchical ab initio benchmark and DFT performance study of D2Ch•••A− chalcogen bonds (Ch = S, Se; D, A = F, Cl). The ab initio benchmark study is based on a series of ZORA‐relativistic quantum chemical methods [HF, MP2, CCSD, CCSD(T)], and all‐electron relativistically contracted variants of Karlsruhe basis sets (ZORA‐def2‐SVP, ZORA‐def2‐TZVPP, ZORA‐def2‐QZVPP) with and without diffuse functions. The highest‐level ZORA‐CCSD(T)/ma‐ZORA‐def2‐QZVPP counterpoise‐corrected complexation energies (ΔECPC) are converged within 1.1–3.4 kcal mol−1 and 1.5–3.1 kcal mol−1 with respect to the method and basis set, respectively. Next, we used the ZORA‐CCSD(T)/ma‐ZORA‐def2‐QZVPP (ΔECPC) as reference data for analyzing the performance of 13 different ZORA‐relativistic DFT approaches in combination with the Slater‐type QZ4P basis set. We find that the three‐best performing functionals are M06‐2X, B3LYP, and M06, with mean absolute errors (MAE) of 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 kcal mol−1, respectively. The MAE for BLYP‐D3(BJ) and PBE amount to 8.5 and 9.3 kcal mol−1, respectively.
Selective converting surface states of hematite photoelectrodes to catalytic active sites
Authors: Xu Su , Lin Cheng , Wang TsingHai , Wang Chu‐Fang , Chen Chiu‐Wen , Dong Cheng‐Di
Published: February 2021

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is capable of converting solar energy to hydrogen and recombination loss at surface states inevitably compromises its efficiency. Selective conversion surface states to catalytic active sites would, therefore, have positive effect on photocurrent enhancement. We first adopted Zn(II) and Cr(III) to in situ passivate surface state of hydrothermally grown hematite electrodes. By plotting the photocurrent onset potential against the fraction of occupied adsorption site by Zn(II) and Cr(III), we found that surface state accounted for 0.1% of active sites of hematite electrodes. The fully passivated hematite possessed a reduced photocurrent onset potential by 0.12 V in comparison with that of raw hematite. Importantly, additional heat treatment of fully passivated hematite provided a great opportunity to selectively convert surface states to catalytic sites. For example, low temperature (120°C) treatment of Zn(II) passivated hematite was noted to exhibit almost doubled photocurrent at 1.1 VRHE in comparison with that of raw hematite. Our experimental results would be valuable for the insights into the electrode/electrolyte interface phenomenon and the strategies for PEC efficiency enhancement.
JNK pathway‐associated phosphatase associates with rheumatoid arthritis risk, disease activity, and its longitudinal elevation relates to etanercept treatment response
Authors: Sun Li , Tu Jianxin , Chen Xiaowei , Dai Meijie , Xia Xiaoru , Liu Cailong , Zhou Yan
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of serum JNK pathway‐associated phosphatase (JKAP) expression with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk and clinical features, also to explore the longitudinal change of JKAP during etanercept treatment and its relationship with etanercept treatment response in RA patients.

Methods

A total of 87 RA patients and 44 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled; then, their JKAP expression in serum was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among 87 RA patients, 42 cases further received the 24‐week etanercept treatment; then, their JKAP level in serum (detected by ELISA) and clinical response (evaluated by disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) score) were evaluated at week 4 (W4), week 12 (W12), and week 24 (W24) after initiation of etanercept treatment.

Results

JKAP expression was decreased in RA patients compared to HCs, which disclosed a good predictive value for RA risk. JKAP expression was negatively associated with tender joint count, swollen joint count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, and DAS28 in RA patients, respectively. For RA patients who received 24‐week etanercept treatment, their clinical response rate was 0.0%, 33.3%, 50.0%, and 69% at W0, W4, W12, and W24, respectively. Importantly, JKAP was gradually increased during etanercept treatment, whose longitudinal elevation positively related to etanercept treatment response in RA patients.

Conclusion

Circulating JKAP links with decreased RA risk and mild disease activity, whose longitudinal elevation positively relates to etanercept treatment response.
A rare case of bilateral proboscis lateralis: Prenatal US and MRI findings
Authors: Sarsmaz Kemal , Lafci Oguz , Cayonu Kahraman Neval , Ergun Elif , Celen Sevki , Caglar Ali Turhan
Published: February 2021

Proboscis lateralis is a very rare congenital craniofacial malformation characterized by a finger‐like tubular appendage arising usually from the medial canthal region. It is mostly unilateral and associated with other craniofacial malformations. Occasionally, proboscis lateralis is seen with holoprosencephaly. A rare case of bilateral proboscis lateralis which was diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging has been presented. In this case of bilateral proboscis lateralis, both lesions arose from a very lateral location and were associated with various central nervous system anomalies other than holoprosencephaly.
Adaptation of the working alliance inventory for the assessment of the therapeutic alliance in genetic counseling
Authors: Erby Lori H. , Wisniewski Tyler , Lewis Katie L. , Hernandez Christian , Biesecker Leslie G. , Biesecker Barbara B.
Published: February 2021

The concept of therapeutic alliance is central to genetic counseling as the mechanism through which the outcomes of empowerment and effective coping are likely to be achieved. To date, there have been no published systematic assessments of the therapeutic relationship in genetic counseling. We adapted a previously validated measure of the therapeutic alliance to genetic counseling and assessed its reliability and validity. Participants were enrolled in a clinical genomic study where they were randomized to receive education about carrier results via a Web platform or via a genetic counselor and then further randomized to receive genetic counseling (without additional education) or not. We rated the therapeutic alliance from audio recordings of 120 genetic counseling sessions. We modified the observer version of the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI‐O), initially designed to assess therapeutic relationships in psychotherapy. We examined internal consistency reliability by calculating Cronbach's alpha and inter‐rater reliability through both percent agreement and Gwet's alternative agreement coefficient (AC). Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship of WAI‐O scores with session length and with the designation of the session as one in which prior education was delivered by the genetic counselor or not. The adapted scale had high‐reliability characteristics with agreement of 88%‐93%, Gwet's AC of 0.84‐0.90, and Cronbach's alpha of 0.89‐0.93 for the three WAI‐O subscales (bonds, goals, and tasks). Although there was no difference in alliance based on whether prior education was provided by the genetic counselor, the total WAI‐O score significantly increased with increasing session length (beta =0.667, p<.001), providing preliminary evidence of construct validity. The WAI‐O that we have adapted can be used reliably with two independent raters to assess the therapeutic alliance in studies of genetic counseling. The initial evidence for construct validity is promising and should be reassessed in future genetic counseling studies using the WAI‐O.
Circulating status of microRNAs 660‐5p and 210‐3p in breast cancer patients
Authors: Nashtahosseini Zahra , Aghamaali Mahmoud Reza , Sadeghi Farzin , Heydari Nadia , Parsian Hadi
Published: February 2021

Background

MicroRNAs (miRs), which are stable in the blood, comprise small non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. They have important roles in almost all biological pathways, especially in cancer‐relevant processes, and have an abnormal expression in breast cancer. In recent studies, the aberrant expression level of various microRNAs has been demonstrated in human cancer. In the present study, the status of serum microRNA‐210‐3p and microRNA‐660‐5p expression levels in breast cancer patients was determined compared to healthy controls.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 40 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and 40 healthy controls. A real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect the expression levels of these microRNAs. Data analysis was conducted with p < 0.05 being considered statistically significant.

Results

The data obtained showed that serum levels of miR‐660‐5p and miR‐210‐3p were significantly up‐regulated in breast cancer patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). In addition, significant up‐regulation was observed in the early stage (in situ, stage I and II) of breast cancer patients (n = 25) compared to healthy (n = 40) controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the serum miR‐660‐5p and miR‐210‐3p levels have reasonable sensitivity (79% and 68%) and specificity (61% and 51%) for the detection of breast cancer patients (area under the receiver‐operating curve = 0.774 and 0.716, respectively).

Conclusions

Although the results show a reasonable diagnostic accuracy of these microRNAs for detection of breast cancer in this small and preliminary study, further large‐scale studies are essential to confirm the presented results.
Enantiomer‐specific pharmacokinetics of D,L‐3‐hydroxybutyrate: Implications for the treatment of multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: van Rijt Willemijn J. , Van Hove Johan L. K. , Vaz Frédéric M. , Havinga Rick , Allersma Derk P. , Zijp Tanja R. , Bedoyan Jirair K. , Heiner‐Fokkema M. R. , Reijngoud Dirk‐Jan , Geraghty Michael T. , Wanders Ronald J. A. , Oosterveer Maaike H. , Derks Terry G. J.
Published: February 2021

D,L‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (D,L‐3‐HB, a ketone body) treatment has been described in several inborn errors of metabolism, including multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD; glutaric aciduria type II). We aimed to improve the understanding of enantiomer‐specific pharmacokinetics of D,L‐3‐HB. Using UPLC‐MS/MS, we analyzed D‐3‐HB and L‐3‐HB concentrations in blood samples from three MADD patients, and blood and tissue samples from healthy rats, upon D,L‐3‐HB salt administration (patients: 736‐1123 mg/kg/day; rats: 1579‐6317 mg/kg/day of salt‐free D,L‐3‐HB). D,L‐3‐HB administration caused substantially higher L‐3‐HB concentrations than D‐3‐HB. In MADD patients, both enantiomers peaked at 30 to 60 minutes, and approached baseline after 3 hours. In rats, D,L‐3‐HB administration significantly increased Cmax and AUC of D‐3‐HB in a dose‐dependent manner (controls vs ascending dose groups for Cmax: 0.10 vs 0.30‐0.35‐0.50 mmol/L, and AUC: 14 vs 58‐71‐106 minutes*mmol/L), whereas for L‐3‐HB the increases were significant compared to controls, but not dose proportional (Cmax: 0.01 vs 1.88‐1.92‐1.98 mmol/L, and AUC: 1 vs 380‐454‐479 minutes*mmol/L). L‐3‐HB concentrations increased extensively in brain, heart, liver, and muscle, whereas the most profound rise in D‐3‐HB was observed in heart and liver. Our study provides important knowledge on the absorption and distribution upon oral D,L‐3‐HB. The enantiomer‐specific pharmacokinetics implies differential metabolic fates of D‐3‐HB and L‐3‐HB.