bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor mutational load predicts time to first treatment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis beyond the CLL international prognostic index
Authors: Kleinstern Geffen , O'Brien Daniel R. , Li Xing , Tian Shulan , Kabat Brian F. , Rabe Kari G. , Norman Aaron D. , Yan Huihuang , Vachon Celine M. , Boddicker Nicholas J. , Call Timothy G. , Parikh Sameer A. , Bruins Laura , Bonolo de Campos Cecilia , Leis Jose F. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Ding Wei , Cerhan James R. , Kay Neil E. , Slager Susan L. , Braggio Esteban
Published: April 2020

Next‐generation sequencing identified about 60 genes recurrently mutated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We examined the additive prognostic value of the total number of recurrently mutated CLL genes (i.e., tumor mutational load [TML]) or the individually mutated genes beyond the CLL international prognostic index (CLL‐IPI) in newly diagnosed CLL and high‐count monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (HC MBL). We sequenced 59 genes among 557 individuals (112 HC MBL/445 CLL) in a multi‐stage design, to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for time‐to‐first treatment (TTT), adjusted for CLL‐IPI and sex. TML was associated with shorter TTT in the discovery and validation cohorts, with a combined estimate of continuous HR = 1.27 (CI:1.17‐1.39, P = 2.6 × 10−8; c‐statistic = 0.76). When stratified by CLL‐IPI, the association of TML with TTT was stronger and validated within low/intermediate risk (combined HR = 1.54, CI:1.37‐1.72, P = 7.0 × 10−14). Overall, 80% of low/intermediate CLL‐IPI cases with two or more mutated genes progressed to require therapy within 5 years, compared to 24% among those without mutations. TML was also associated with shorter TTT in the HC MBL cohort (HR = 1.53, CI:1.12‐2.07, P = .007; c‐statistic = 0.71). TML is a strong prognostic factor for TTT independent of CLL‐IPI, especially among low/intermediate CLL‐IPI risk, and a better predictor than any single gene. Mutational screening at early stages may improve risk stratification and better predict TTT.
Association of chemosensory dysfunction and COVID‐19 in patients presenting with influenza‐like symptoms
Authors: Yan Carol H. , Faraji Farhoud , Prajapati Divya P. , Boone Christine E. , DeConde Adam S.
Published: April 2020

Background

Rapid spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and concern for viral transmission by ambulatory patients with minimal to no symptoms underline the importance of identifying early or subclinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection. Two such candidate symptoms include anecdotally reported loss of smell and taste. Understanding the timing and association of smell/taste loss in COVID‐19 may help facilitate screening and early isolation of cases.

Methods

A single‐institution, cross‐sectional study evaluating patient‐reported symptoms with a focus on smell and taste was conducted using an internet‐based platform on adult subjects who underwent testing for COVID‐19. Logistic regression was employed to identify symptoms associated with COVID‐19 positivity.

Results

A total of 1480 patients with influenza‐like symptoms underwent COVID‐19 testing between March 3, 2020, and March 29, 2020. Our study captured 59 of 102 (58%) COVID‐19–positive patients and 203 of 1378 (15%) COVID‐19–negative patients. Smell and taste loss were reported in 68% (40/59) and 71% (42/59) of COVID‐19–positive subjects, respectively, compared to 16% (33/203) and 17% (35/203) of COVID‐19–negative patients (p < 0.001). Smell and taste impairment were independently and strongly associated with COVID‐19 positivity (anosmia: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 10.9; 95% CI, 5.08‐23.5; ageusia: aOR 10.2; 95% CI, 4.74‐22.1), whereas sore throat was associated with COVID‐19 negativity (aOR 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11‐0.50). Of patients who reported COVID‐19–associated loss of smell, 74% (28/38) reported resolution of anosmia with clinical resolution of illness.

Conclusion

In ambulatory individuals with influenza‐like symptoms, chemosensory dysfunction was strongly associated with COVID‐19 infection and should be considered when screening symptoms. Most will recover chemosensory function within weeks, paralleling resolution of other disease‐related symptoms.
Use of Google Trends to investigate loss‐of‐smell‒related searches during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Walker Abigail , Hopkins Claire , Surda Pavol
Published: April 2020

Background

Initial reports describing coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) were dominated by the presence of cough, breathlessness, and fever; anecdotal reports suggested anosmia may also be a manifestation. We used Google Trends (GT) to investigate whether there was a surge in individuals searching for information related to smell loss during the COVID‐19 epidemic in Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, France, Iran, and The Netherlands.

Methods

GT was used to explore internet activity related to loss of smell in the 8 aforementioned countries. Spearman rank analysis was performed to correlate loss‐of‐smell‒relative search volumes (RSVs), with the increases of daily confirmed cases of COVID‐19 and deaths attributed to disease. As a control event, we also performed analysis of smell‐related searches during the last UK influenza epidemic of 2009.

Results

In all 8 countries, we observed strong correlations between daily RSVs related to loss of smell, increases of daily COVID‐19+ cases and deaths ranging from 0.633 to 0.952. All correlations were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation between the frequency of searches for smell‐related information and the onset of COVID‐19 infection in Italy, Spain, UK, USA, Germany, France, Iran, and The Netherlands. We hypothesize this may relate to a previously underrecognized symptom.
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and cognitive function in the Age‐Related Eye Disease Studies 1 & 2
Authors: Keenan Tiarnán D. , Agrón Elvira , Mares Julie A. , Clemons Traci E. , van Asten Freekje , Swaroop Anand , Chew Emily Y. ,   for the AREDS and AREDS2 Research Groups
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The objective was to determine whether closer adherence to the alternative Mediterranean Diet (aMED) was associated with altered cognitive function.

Methods

Observational analyses of participants (n = 7,756) enrolled in two randomized trials of nutritional supplements for age‐related macular degeneration: Age‐Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2.

Results

Odds ratios for cognitive impairment, in aMED tertile 3 (vs 1), were 0.36 (P = .0001) for Modified Mini‐Mental State (<80) and 0.56 (P = .001) for composite score in AREDS, and 0.56 for Telephone Interview Cognitive Status‐Modified (<30) and 0.48 for composite score (each P < .0001) in AREDS2. Fish intake was associated with higher cognitive function. In AREDS2, rate of cognitive decline over 5 to 10 years was not significantly different by aMED but was significantly slower (P = .019) with higher fish intake.

Discussion

Closer Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment but not slower decline in cognitive function. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) haplotype did not influence these relationships.
A Thin Self‐Feeding Janus Metasurface for Manipulating Incident Waves and Emitting Radiation Waves Simultaneously
Authors: Li Si Jia , Li Yun Bo , Li He , Wang Zheng Xing , Zhang Chen , Guo Ze Xu , Li Rui Qi , Cao Xiang Yu , Cheng Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2020

A thin metasurface has shown powerful capabilities in controlling either incident electromagnetic (EM) waves or radiation waves, but is difficult for both. Here, a self‐feeding Janus metasurface (SFJ‐MS) is proposed to manipulate the incident EM waves and emit the radiated waves simultaneously, which can realize the polarization conversion of incident waves, scattering control, EM wave radiation, and radiation‐beam steering. On the upper of SFJ‐MS, a diagonal‐split square ring and a rectangular patch with rotation for radiation are designed to introduce anisotropy in the meta‐atom for converting the polarization of incident EM waves. On the bottom of SFJ‐MS, a self‐feeding microstructure converts the alternating current into the excitation of SFJ‐MS to emit the EM waves to free space. The multiple functions of SFJ‐MS are comprehensively substantiated by measured results, which are in agreements with the stringent simulations. This SFJ‐MS, with lightweight, compact, low profile, and power‐efficient features, can find potential applications in phased array radar systems, wireless communication systems, polarimetric radar imaging systems, and target detection systems.
CEOs' reputation, quality management and environmental innovation: The roles of stakeholder pressure and resource commitment
Authors: Konadu Renata , Owusu‐Agyei Samuel , Lartey Theophilus A. , Danso Albert , Adomako Samuel , Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we examine how and when chief executive officers' (CEOs') reputation enhances environmental innovation by considering quality management as a mediating mechanism of this relationship. In addition, we introduce stakeholder pressures (primary and secondary stakeholder pressures) as important contingencies of the relationship between CEOs' reputation and quality management. Moreover, we test the moderating role of resource commitment on the quality management‐environmental innovation relationship. We test our research model using data from a manufacturing industry sample of 217 firms from Ghana. We find that quality management mediates the relationship between reputation and environmental innovation. Moreover, the relationship between CEOs' reputation and quality management is amplified when levels of both primary and secondary stakeholder pressures are greater. Finally, our findings show that the effect of quality management on environmental innovation is enhanced when resource commitment is greater. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
The receptive field for visceral pain referred orofacially by the vagus nerves
Authors: Myers Daniel E.
Published: April 2020

Background

The nociceptive receptive field of the vagus nerves in animals includes virtually the entire thoracic, abdominal and laryngopharyngeal regions. However, the role of the vagus nerves in the transmission of visceral pain in humans, with the exception of pain from coronary artery diseases, is believed to be insignificant.

Aim

The purpose of this report is to map out the clinical visceral pain receptive field of the vagus nerves relative to its nociceptive counterpart in animals.

Materials and Methods

The PubMed database and PMC were searched for case reports of patients with orofacial pain believed by the author(s) of the article to be referred from underlying non‐cardiac thoracic, laryngopharyngeal or abdominal diseases. Reports of diseases for which non‐neural explanations for the orofacial spread of pain were suggested were excluded.

Results

A total of 52 case reports of jaw pain and/or otalgia referred from laryngopharyngeal and noncardiac thoracic sources were discovered. In addition, a multicenter prospective study found that 25.8% of more than 3,000 patients with thoracic aortic dissection experienced pain in the head and neck region. In stark contrast, no case reports of orofacially referred pain from abdominal diseases were found.

Discussion

The results indicate that the laryngopharyngeal and thoracic portions of the vagal receptive field are capable of referring pain orofacially while the abdominal portion is not. The roles of the somatotopic organization of the trigeminal sub nucleus caudalis and neuromodulation in this referral of pain were discussed.

Conclusion

Referred orofacial pain can lead to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcome in visceral diseases.
Improved fuzzy‐assisted multimedia‐assistive technology for engineering education
Authors: Li Na , Chen Xuhua , Subramani Selvakumar , Kadry Seifedine N.
Published: April 2020

Presently, technological developments within the academic and online education sectors have enabled mobile data‐based interactive strategies to impact transformative learning innovations for improving the learning experience. Nowadays, fuzzy logic has become a part of engineering educational systems, and it provides uncertainty‐defining logic. In this paper, the following method has been proposed for the engineering educational system: Recommending groups in E‐learning‐based fuzzy learning approach with multimedia‐assistive technology. In the recent past, assistive technologies have served as a tool or platform for resolving problems and improved learning through many factors, such as critical thinking, multimodal communication, and motivational approaches for students. Currently, the application of fuzzy logic in education has helped in making decisions in an effective manner. These technologies and experiments have significant roles in student success, because a classical student evaluation and a group study approach for high‐quality learning are no longer sufficient.
USP44 suppresses proliferation and enhances apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by inactivating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway via Axin1 deubiquitination
Authors: Huang Tong , Zhang Qingquan , Ren Wei , Yan Bing , Yi Liang , Tang Tielun , Lin Hai , Zhang Yongjiu
Published: April 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer death, and its 5‐year survival rate remains unsatisfactory. Recent studies have revealed that ubiquitin‐specific protease 44 (USP44) is a cancer suppressor or oncogene depending on the type of neoplasm. However, its role in CRC remains unclear. Here, we found that the USP44 expression level was markedly decreased in CRC, and USP44 overexpression inhibited proliferation while enhancing apoptosis in CRC cells, suggesting that USP44 is a cancer suppressor in CRC. We then investigated if USP44 functioned through regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. We found that USP44 overexpression increased the Axin1 protein while decreasing β‐catenin, c‐myc, and cyclin D1 proteins, suggesting that USP44 inhibited the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Moreover, we found that two Wnt/β‐catenin activators, LiCl and SKL2001, both attenuated oeUSP44‐mediated proliferation and apoptosis in CRC cells. Collectively, these data points indicated that USP44 inhibited proliferation while promoting apoptosis in CRC cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Interestingly, we observed that USP44 overexpression did not affect the Axin1 mRNA level. Further study uncovered that USP44 interacted with Axin1 and reduced the ubiquitination of Axin1. Furthermore, Axin1 knock‐down abolished the effects of oeUSP44 on proliferation, apoptosis, and Wnt/β‐catenin activity in CRC cells. Taken together, this study demonstrates that USP44 inhibits proliferation while enhancing apoptosis in CRC cells by inactivating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway via Axin1 deubiquitination. USP44 is a cancer suppressor in CRC and a potential target for CRC therapy.
A novel data‐driven methodology for fault detection and dynamic risk assessment
Authors: Amin Md. Tanjin , Khan Faisal , Ahmed Salim , Imtiaz Syed
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a novel methodology for dynamic risk analysis, integrating the multivariate data‐based process monitoring and logical dynamic failure prediction model. This concept for dynamic risk analysis is comprised of the fault assessment and dynamic failure prognosis modules. A combination of the naïve Bayes classifier, Bayesian network, and event tree analysis is utilized to manifest the concept. The naïve Bayes classifier is used for fault detection and diagnosis; it also generates a multivariate probability for a fault class in each time‐step, which is used for dynamic failure prognosis by different paths a fault can lead a process to failure. The proposed framework has been applied to two process systems: a binary distillation column and the RT 580 experimental setup in four fault scenarios, and it is found the developed technique can effectively monitor the process and predict the failure.
Don't ask, don't tell: It's time to talk about complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine with our patients
Authors: Lee Richard T. , Greenlee Heather
Published: April 2020

Oncologists need to discuss the use of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine with patients. Education concerning the topic needs to occur at all levels of medical professionals, starting with medical school.
The application of big data network crawler technology for architectural culture and environment protection
Authors: Jian Zhichao , Qin Lichun
Published: April 2020

In today's big data environment, we get the Maonan residential information of Maonan Nationality in Huanjiang through the web crawler technology, and further study the protection and renewal of the local architectural culture and environment, in order to promote the social civilization and sustainable development. With the continuous development and improvement of Internet technology, information acquisition technology of Web crawler based on large data is particularly important. It can collect network information intelligently and efficiently. Taking the architectural protection as the research object, Maonan Ethnic Group in the area is chosen as the object of study. Based on the web crawler technology, the protection and development of the local residential architecture culture and environment are analyzed. Through data collection and investigation of big data crawler technology, we find that the Maonan Ethnic Group has unique local customs and cultural details. Therefore, how to carry out sustainable development according to the unique local cultural characteristics and by means of information technology will become the focus of further research.
Telepsychiatry coming into its own with COVID‐19
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2020

Among the other benefits of the CARES Act — the $2 trillion law signed by President Trump March 27 —is a big boost to telemedicine, including telepsychiatry. For so many years, psychiatrists have been hampered by the fact that, in general, they can't get paid for telemedicine. Insurance won't cover it, and, for the most part, patients assume that a phone call — or an email or text — should be free.
The Order–Disorder (OD) Polytypism of [Cu2ZnTeO4]2+[SO4·H2O]2−
Authors: Stöger Berthold , Weil Matthias , Missen Owen P. , Mills Stuart J.
Published: April 2020

[Cu2ZnTeO4]2+[SO4·H2O]2− crystallizes as a category IV order‒disorder (OD) structure with two kinds of nonpolar layers with the formal composition [Cu2ZnTeO4]2+ and [SO4·H2O]2−, respectively. Reflection symmetry that is only valid for the [Cu2ZnTeO4]2+ layers leads to two ways of placing the [SO4·H2O]2− layers. Two of the polytypes are of a maximum degree of order (MDO1: P21/m and MDO2: Pnma). The crystal under investigation is mostly of the MDO2 polytype. Remaining positive electron density peaks in the difference Fourier maps indicate fragments of the MDO1 polytype.
Heritability and genetic gains for iron and zinc concentration in diploid potato
Authors: Amoros Walter , Salas Elisa , Hualla Vilma , Burgos Gabriela , De Boeck Bert , Eyzaguirre Raul , zum Felde Thomas , Bonierbale Merideth
Published: April 2020

A main breeding target of the International Potato Center (CIP) has been the biofortification of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with the essential micronutrients iron and zinc. This study assessed the broad‐sense heritability (H2) and genetic gains (ΔGs) achieved for iron and zinc concentrations in potato tubers and their relationships with yield components through three cycles of recurrent selection at the diploid level. Sixty genotypes comprising 17 Andean landraces from a base population called Cycle 0, 21 genotypes from Cycle II, and 22 from Cycle III were grown in field trials over 2 yr to compare micronutrient concentrations and agronomic performance. The effects of cycles and cycles × location interactions were both significant (P < .01) for all characters except tuber yield. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation along with high H2 (0.81 ± 0.19 for both iron and zinc) suggested that these parameters were under the control of additive gene effects and could be effectively manipulated by recurrent selection. Large gains of more than 29% iron and 26% zinc were demonstrated. There were slight decreases in dry matter (DM) content of 2 and 5% in Cycles II and III, respectively. Iron concentration had the greatest positive direct effect on total number of tubers per plant, and zinc had a weak negative direct effect on average tuber weight. Selected iron‐ and zinc‐dense genotypes with high, positive general combining ability were identified for use in an interploidy (4x–2x) breeding scheme aimed at increasing the iron and zinc contents of stable, high‐yielding disease and stress‐resistant varieties.
Smart antenna design for high‐speed moving vehicles with minimum return loss
Authors: Sarkar Manash , Singh Anurag , Gupta Saptarshi , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: April 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a connection amongst people and applications to another dimension of machine‐to‐machine communication. IoT scenario is unequivocally related with the development of the advancement of wireless sensor systems (WSNs) and radio‐frequency identification (RFID) frameworks. Owing to the technological advances around the world, energy demand is increasing exponentially. Energy proficiency has turned out to be one of the real worries in the present life that essentially influence every single human action. In communication system, return loss is a major issue for transmission process. Owing to return loss, a huge amount of power consumption occurs. This phenomenon is contemporary with transmission process, and it will initiate a serious problem for high‐speed moving substance like aircraft, rockets, and spaceship. To overcome this problem, a four‐element cylindrical antenna (conformal) array with better axial radiation is proposed. The four U‐shaped slots are uniformly wrapped around on a cylindrical surface, which produces tilted radiation. To enhance the axial radiation, four conformal elements are reefed by a one‐ to four‐microstrip feed network. The proposed conformal design has a bandwidth of 200 MHz (narrow bandwidth) at the center frequency of 3.9 GHz, covering the range of 3 to 3.9 GHz, with the gain of 4.9 dBic, and can be suitable for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), wireless avionics intra‐communication (WAIC), and so forth. The proposed design is low profile and can be used for high‐speed avionic applications. Finally, machine learning technique is explored to design a model for a smart antenna with optimistic parameters to reduce return loss and enhance the transmission rate.
Preliminary analysis to estimate the spatial distribution of benefits of P load reduction: Identifying the spatial influence of phosphorus loading from the Maumee River (USA) in western Lake Erie
Authors: Larson James H. , Hlavacek Enrika , DeJager Nathan , Evans Mary Anne , Wynne Timothy
Published: April 2020

Since the early 2000s, Lake Erie has been experiencing annual cyanobacterial blooms that often cover large portions of the western basin and even reach into the central basin. These blooms have affected several ecosystem services provided by Lake Erie to surrounding communities (notably drinking water quality). Several modeling efforts have identified the springtime total bioavailable phosphorus (TBP) load as a major driver of maximum cyanobacterial biomass in western Lake Erie, and on this basis, international water management bodies have set a phosphorus (P) reduction goal. This P reduction goal is intended to reduce maximum cyanobacterial biomass, but there has been very limited effort to identify the specific locations within the western basin of Lake Erie that will likely experience the most benefits. Here, we used pixel‐specific linear regression to identify where annual variation in spring TBP loads is most strongly associated with cyanobacterial abundance, as inferred from satellite imagery. Using this approach, we find that annual TBP loads are most strongly associated with cyanobacterial abundance in the central and southern areas of the western basin. At the location of the Toledo water intake, the association between TBP load and cyanobacterial abundance is moderate, and in Maumee Bay (near Toledo, Ohio), the association between TBP and cyanobacterial abundance is no better than a null model. Both of these locations are important for the delivery of specific ecosystem services, but this analysis indicates that P load reductions would not be expected to substantially improve maximum annual cyanobacterial abundance in these locations. These results are preliminary in the sense that only a limited set of models were tested in this analysis, but these results illustrate the importance of identifying whether the spatial distribution of management benefits (in this case P load reduction) matches the spatial distribution of management goals (reducing the effects of cyanobacteria on important ecosystem services).
Major inconsistencies of inferred population genetic structure estimated in a large set of domestic horse breeds using microsatellites
Authors: Funk Stephan Michael , Guedaoura Sonya , Juras Rytis , Raziq Absul , Landolsi Faouzi , Luís Cristina , Martínez Amparo Martínez , Musa Mayaki Abubakar , Mujica Fernando , Oom Maria do Mar , Ouragh Lahoussine , Stranger Yves‐Marie , Vega‐Pla Jose Luis , Cothran Ernest Gus
Published: April 2020

STRUCTURE remains the most applied software aimed at recovering the true, but unknown, population structure from microsatellite or other genetic markers. About 30% of STRUCTURE‐based studies could not be reproduced (Molecular Ecology, 21, 2012, 4925). Here we use a large set of data from 2,323 horses from 93 domestic breeds plus the Przewalski horse, typed at 15 microsatellites, to evaluate how program settings impact the estimation of the optimal number of population clusters Kopt that best describe the observed data. Domestic horses are suited as a test case as there is extensive background knowledge on the history of many breeds and extensive phylogenetic analyses. Different methods based on different genetic assumptions and statistical procedures (DAPC, FLOCK, PCoA, and STRUCTURE with different run scenarios) all revealed general, broad‐scale breed relationships that largely reflect known breed histories but diverged how they characterized small‐scale patterns. STRUCTURE failed to consistently identify Kopt using the most widespread approach, the ΔK method, despite very large numbers of MCMC iterations (3,000,000) and replicates (100). The interpretation of breed structure over increasing numbers of K, without assuming a Kopt, was consistent with known breed histories. The over‐reliance on Kopt should be replaced by a qualitative description of clustering over increasing K, which is scientifically more honest and has the advantage of being much faster and less computer intensive as lower numbers of MCMC iterations and repetitions suffice for stable results. Very large data sets are highly challenging for cluster analyses, especially when populations with complex genetic histories are investigated.
Forest structure, diversity, and primary production in relation to disturbance severity
Authors: Haber Lisa T. , Fahey Robert T. , Wales Shea B. , Correa Pascuas Nicolás , Currie William S. , Hardiman Brady S. , Gough Christopher M.
Published: April 2020

Differential disturbance severity effects on forest vegetation structure, species diversity, and net primary production (NPP) have been long theorized and observed. Here, we examined these factors concurrently to explore the potential for a mechanistic pathway linking disturbance severity, changes in light environment, leaf functional response, and wood NPP in a temperate hardwood forest.

Using a suite of measurements spanning an experimental gradient of tree mortality, we evaluated the direction and magnitude of change in vegetation structural and diversity indexes in relation to wood NPP. Informed by prior observations, we hypothesized that forest structural and species diversity changes and wood NPP would exhibit either a linear, unimodal, or threshold response in relation to disturbance severity. We expected increasing disturbance severity would progressively shift subcanopy light availability and leaf traits, thereby coupling structural and species diversity changes with primary production.

Linear or unimodal changes in three of four vegetation structural indexes were observed across the gradient in disturbance severity. However, disturbance‐related changes in vegetation structure were not consistently correlated with shifts in light environment, leaf traits, and wood NPP. Species diversity indexes did not change in response to rising disturbance severity.

We conclude that, in our study system, the sensitivity of wood NPP to rising disturbance severity is generally tied to changing vegetation structure but not species diversity. Changes in vegetation structure are inconsistently coupled with light environment and leaf traits, resulting in mixed support for our hypothesized cascade linking disturbance severity to wood NPP.
Evaluating the fitness consequences of plasticity in tolerance to pesticides
Authors: DiGiacopo Devin G. , Hua Jessica
Published: April 2020

In a rapidly changing world, phenotypic plasticity may be a critical mechanism allowing populations to rapidly acclimate when faced with novel anthropogenic stressors. Theory predicts that if exposure to anthropogenic stress is heterogeneous, plasticity should be maintained as it allows organisms to avoid unnecessary expression of costly traits (i.e., phenotypic costs) when stressors are absent. Conversely, if exposure to stressors becomes constant, costs or limits of plasticity may lead to evolutionary trait canalization (i.e., genetic assimilation). While these concepts are well‐established in theory, few studies have examined whether these factors explain patterns of plasticity in natural populations facing anthropogenic stress. Using wild populations of wood frogs that vary in plasticity in tolerance to pesticides, the goal of this study was to evaluate the environmental conditions under which plasticity is expected to be advantageous or detrimental. We found that when pesticides were absent, more plastic populations exhibited lower pesticide tolerance and were more fit than less plastic populations, likely avoiding the cost of expressing high tolerance when it was not necessary. Contrary to our predictions, when pesticides were present, more plastic populations were as fit as less plastic populations, showing no signs of costs or limits of plasticity. Amidst unprecedented global change, understanding the factors shaping the evolution of plasticity will become increasingly important.
Skin hydrophobicity as an adaptation for self‐cleaning in geckos
Authors: Riedel Jendrian , Vucko Matthew John , Blomberg Simone P. , Schwarzkopf Lin
Published: April 2020

Hydrophobicity is common in plants and animals, typically caused by high relief microtexture functioning to keep the surface clean. Although the occurrence and physical causes of hydrophobicity are well understood, ecological factors promoting its evolution are unclear. Geckos have highly hydrophobic integuments. We predicted that, because the ground is dirty and filled with pathogens, high hydrophobicity should coevolve with terrestrial microhabitat use. Advancing contact‐angle (ACA) measurements of water droplets were used to quantify hydrophobicity in 24 species of Australian gecko. We reconstructed the evolution of ACA values, in relation to microhabitat use of geckos. To determine the best set of structural characteristics associated with the evolution of hydrophobicity, we used linear models fitted using phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS), and then model averaging based on AICc values. All species were highly hydrophobic (ACA > 132.72°), but terrestrial species had significantly higher ACA values than arboreal ones. The evolution of longer spinules and smaller scales was correlated with high hydrophobicity. These results suggest that hydrophobicity has coevolved with terrestrial microhabitat use in Australian geckos via selection for long spinules and small scales, likely to keep their skin clean and prevent fouling and disease.
ZnO Interface Modified LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 Toward Boosting Lithium Storage
Authors: Li Yunyan , Li Xifei , Hu Junhua , Liu Wen , Maleki Kheimeh Sari Hirbod , Li Dejun , Sun Qian , Kou Liang , Tian Zhanyuan , Shao Le , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Jiujun , Sun Xueliang
Published: April 2020

In this work, an amorphous ZnO was coated on LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM) using a sol‐gel strategy method. The NCM coated with 1 wt.% ZnO and a thickness of about 3 nm exhibits an improved cycling performance, accompanied by a lower capacity fading (from 194.8 to 133.8 mAh g−1, i.e., 68%) than that of the pristine one (i.e., only 34%) after 300 cycles at 0.2 C. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicate that the ZnO coating can improve extraction/insertion of Li+ and inhibit the increase in impedance of the NCM cathode material. This approach may benefit the performance improvement of the Ni‐rich cathode materials in Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs).
Heterogeneous presentation of caspr2 antibody‐associated peripheral neuropathy – A case series
Authors: Ellwardt Erik , Geber Christian , Lotz Johannes , Birklein Frank
Published: April 2020

Contactin‐associated protein 2–like (caspr2) antibodies have been discovered recently. Since then a multitude of patients with caspr2 antibodies presenting with different neurological symptoms have been reported. Here, we describe three patients with caspr2 antibodies with different types of pain/no pain in combination with peripheral neuropathy. The first patient, a 33‐year‐old woman, presented with erythromelalgia‐like pain and autonomic symptoms; the second patient, a 58‐year‐old man, with paresthesia and pain while walking together with signs of peripheral motor neuron hyperexcitability in combination with optic neuritis, and the third patient, a 74‐year‐old man, without any pain but with polyneuropathy and encephalopathy. These cases illustrate the spectrum of symptoms in anti‐caspr2 diseases. The pain in such cases can be treated causally.
An application of evolutionary computation algorithm in multidisciplinary design optimization of battery packs for electric vehicle
Authors: Cui Xujian , Panda Biranchi , Chin Christina May May , Sakundarini Novita , Wang Chin‐Tsan , Pareek Kapil
Published: April 2020

The increased concerns of climate change are driving a shift in the transport sector from fossil to green fuels and electric vehicles (EVs) systems capable of delivering long‐term sustainability. However, there are some challenges remaining related to batteries used in EVs. These challenges exist in four different levels, that is, cell, module, pack, and EV level which can be easily solved by evolutionary computation (EC) techniques rather than using conventional modeling or optimization methods. In this study, a framework, using EC is proposed to solve the problems of EV applications. Firstly, a multi‐gene genetic programming is proposed to analyze the data in cell level and formulate a model for lithium‐ion battery capacity. The second case study targets optimization of battery encloser design at pack level using non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II). Validation results manifest the outstanding optimization function of NSGA‐II and improved performance of the enclosure. Moreover, the results show improved performance of NSGA‐II when combined with other artificial intelligence algorithms. The results suggest that EC can be integrated in the EV system for monitoring its performance and ensure its safety.
Bedding ignition, vertical flame spread and subsequent thermal impact on underlying mattress
Authors: Gratkowski Mark T.
Published: April 2020

The ignition of bedding and subsequent vertical spread of fire along the side of a noncombustible surrogate bed set was investigated. One‐hundred‐eight (108) tests were conducted to assess the ignition timeline and subsequent vertical flame spread of bedding up the side of a bed along with the thermal impact of the bedding fire on the underlying bed set. The ignition source for all tests was comprised of the flame from a book of matches placed on bedding at floor level at the base of the bed. The bedding consisted of combinations of a cotton/polyester blend sheet and bedspread. Ignition occurred in 3 to 10 seconds for the majority of the test. The speed of subsequent vertical flame spread, assessed through video frame analysis tools, was dependent on the exposed bedding material with an exposed sheet exhibiting faster spread. Thermal exposure from the burning bedding to the vertical sides of the bed set was assessed with an array of thermocouples embedded at the surface of the sides of the underlying bed set. The time to thermal exposure was found to be a function of the vertical flame spread and thickness of the bedding material(s).
Encapsulation of Bifidobacterium bifidum by internal gelation method to access the viability in cheddar cheese and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Ateeq Huda , Ahmed Aftab , Ahmad Awais , Tufail Tabussam , Ismail Zoria , Anjum Faqir Muhammad
Published: April 2020

The current study was conducted to elucidate the impact of encapsulation on the stability and viability of probiotic bacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum) in cheddar cheese and in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. Purposely, probiotics were encapsulated in two hydrogel materials (kepa carrageenan and sodium alginate) by using an internal gelation method. Cheddar cheese was supplemented with unencapsulated/free and encapsulated probiotics. The product was subjected to physicochemical (pH, titrable acidity, moisture, and protein) and microbiological analysis for a period of 35 days of storage. Furthermore, the probiotics (free and encapsulated) were subjected to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The initial probiotic count in cheese containing encapsulated probiotic was 9.13 log CFU/g and 9.15 log CFU/g which decreased to 8.10 log CFU/g and 7.67 log CFU/g while cheese containing unencapsulated probiotic initially 9.18 log CFU/g decreased to 6.58 log CFU/g over a period of 35 days of storage. The incorporation of unencapsulated and encapsulated probiotic affected the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory attributes of the cheese. The encapsulated probiotic bacteria exhibited better survival as compared to unencapsulated probiotic. A 2.60 CFU/g log reduction in unencapsulated cells while just 1.03 CFU/g and 1.48 CFU/g log reduction in case of sodium alginate and K‐carrageenan, respectively, was recorded. In short, encapsulation showed protection and stability to probiotic in hostile conditions.
Protein‐enriched fiber vegan meal promote satiety and suppress food intake in rats
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhou Qi‐Le , Yang Yi , Wei Yan‐Li , Wei Wei , Bi Hong‐Xia , Li Dong , Jiang Shi‐Long
Published: April 2020

Dietary preferences were closely associated with the pathogenesis of numbers of metabolic disorders, in particularly, obesity. Dietary fiber was shown to be capable of preventing weight gain and excessive food intake mainly through stimulating chewing and saliva secretion, and promote satiety signals. In this study, we characterized the "Vitamin World® Vegan Meal" Formula of Feihe, a novel protein‐enriched fiber dietary supplement contained potato protease inhibitor II (PI2) that developed. And we demonstrated that this particular fiber formula was effective in preventing weight gain, increasing satiety signals, and reducing food intake in rats in a dosage‐dependent manner. Our study provides lines of evidence and would further bolster the use of this nutritious vegan meal in regulating satiety and food intake in clinics.
A statistical comparison of spatio‐temporal surface moisture patterns beneath a semi‐natural grassland and permanent pasture: From drought to saturation
Authors: Wallace Ethan E. , Chappell Nick A.
Published: April 2020

Some 60% of the agricultural land in the UK is grassland. This is mostly located in the wetter uplands of the west and north, with the majority intensively managed as permanent pasture. Despite its extent, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how agricultural practices have altered the hydrological behaviour of the underlying soils relative to the adjacent moorland covered by semi‐natural grassland. Near‐surface soil moisture content is an expression of the changes that have taken place and is critical in the generation of flood‐producing overland flows. This study aims to develop a pioneering paired‐plot approach, producing 1,536 moisture measurements at each of the monitoring dates throughout the studied year, that were subsequently analysed by a comparison of frequency distributions, visual cum geostatistical investigation of spatial patterns and mixed‐effects regression modelling. The analysis demonstrated that the practices taking place in the pasture (ploughing, re‐seeding and drainage) reduced the natural diversity in moisture patterns. Compared to adjacent moorland, the topsoil dried much faster in spring with the effects requiring offset with moisture from slurry applications in summer. With the onset of autumn rains, these applications then made the topsoil wetter than the moorland, heightening the likelihood of flood‐producing overland flow. During the sampling within one such storm event, the adjacent moorland was almost as wet as the pasture with both visibly generating overland flow. These contrasts in soil moisture were statistically significant throughout. Further, they highlight the need to scale‐up the monitoring with numerous plot pairs to see if the observed highly dynamic, contrasting behaviour is present at the landscape scale. Such research is fundamental to designing appropriate agricultural interventions to deliver sustainable sward production for livestock or methods of mitigating overland‐flow incidence that would otherwise heighten flood risk or threaten water quality in rivers.
Dynamic domain kinematic modelling for predicting interflow over leaky impeding layers
Authors: Meles Bitew Menberu , Jackson C. Rhett , Goodrich David C. , Younger Seth E. , Griffiths Natalie A. , Vaché Kellie B. , Rau Benjamin
Published: April 2020

Traditional Boussinesq or kinematic simulations of interflow (i.e., lateral subsurface flow) assume no leakage through the impeding layer and require a no‐flow boundary condition at the ridge top. However, recent analyses of many interflow‐producing landscapes indicate that leaky impeding layers are common, that most interflow percolates well before reaching the toe slope, and therefore, the downslope contributing length is shorter than the hillslope length. In watersheds characterised by perched interflow over a low conductivity layer through permeable topsoil, interflow with percolation may be modelled with a kinematic wave model using a mobile upslope boundary condition defining the hillslope portion contributing interflow to valleys. Here, we developed and applied a dynamic interflow model to simulate interflow using a downslope travel distance concept such that only the active contributing length is modelled at any time. The model defines a variable active area based on the depth of the perched layer, the topographic slope and the ratio of the hydraulic conductivity of topsoil to that of the impeding layer. It incorporates a two‐layer soil moisture accounting water balance analysis, a pedo‐transfer function, and percolation and evaporation routines to predict interflow rates in continuous and event‐based scenarios. We tested the modelling concept on two sets of data (2‐year dataset of rainfall observations for the continuous simulation and a multi‐day irrigation experiment for the event simulation) from a 121‐m‐long open interflow collection trench on an experimental hillslope at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina. The continuous model simulation partially represented the observed interflow hydrograph and perched water depth in the experimental hillslope with correlation coefficients of 0.85 and 0.35, respectively. Model performance improved significantly at event‐scale analysis. The modelling approach realistically represents interflow dynamics in hillslopes with leaky impeding layers and can be integrated into catchment‐scale hydrology models for more detailed hillslope process modelling.
Epstein‐Barr virus and human papillomavirus serum antibodies define the viral status of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a low endemic country
Authors: Simon Julia , Schroeder Lea , Ingarfield Kate , Diehl Stefan , Werner Jill , Brenner Nicole , Liu Zhiwei , Pawlita Michael , Pring Miranda , Butt Julia , Ness Andy , Waterboer Tim
Published: April 2020

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in endemic regions, where almost every tumor is EBV‐positive. In Western populations, NPC is rare, and human papillomavirus infection (HPV) has been suggested as another viral cause. We validated multiplex serology with molecular tumor markers, to define EBV‐positive, HPV‐positive and EBV‐/HPV‐negative NPCs in the United Kingdom, and analyzed survival differences between those groups. Sera from NPC cases (n = 98) and age‐ and sex‐matched controls (n = 142) from the Head and Neck 5000 clinical cohort study were analyzed. IgA and IgG serum antibodies against 13 EBV antigens were measured and compared with EBER in situ hybridization (EBER‐ISH) data of 41 NPC tumors (29 EBER‐ISH positive, 12 negative). IgG antibodies to EBV LF2 correctly diagnosed EBV‐positive NPCs in 28 of 29 cases, while all EBER‐ISH negative NPCs were seronegative to LF2 IgG (specificity = 100%, sensitivity = 97%). HPV early antigen serology was compared to HPV molecular markers (p16 expression, HPV DNA and RNA) available for 41 NPCs (13 positive, 28 negative). Serology matched molecular HPV markers in all but one case (specificity = 100%, sensitivity = 92%). EBV and HPV infections were mutually exclusive. Overall, 67% of the analyzed NPCs were defined as EBV‐positive, 18% as HPV‐positive and 14% as EBV/HPV‐negative. There was no statistical evidence of a difference in survival between the three groups. These data provide evidence that both, EBV‐positive and HPV‐positive NPCs are present in a low incidence country, and that EBV and HPV serum antibodies correlate with the viral status of the tumor.