bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medicinal Plant, Anoectochilus: Distribution, Ecology, Commercial Value and Use in North Vietnam
Authors: Bon Trinh Ngoc , Hung Trieu Thai , Trung Phung Dinh , Nguyen Tran Cao , Ha Dang Thi Hai , Anh Nguyen Thi Hoai , Son Hoang Thanh , Long Tran Hai , Tuyen Pham Quang , Khuong Ninh Viet , Quy Tran Hoang , Nam Vu Van , Do Tran Van
Published: July 2020

Background: Anoectochilus orchids have been widely used as medicine. However, it has been overharvested in nature because of high commercial values. This study aims at identifying distribution ranges and ecological characteristics of Anoectochilus orchids serving for sustainable development and describing traditional uses by ethnic people in Lai Chau Province, North Vietnam.

Methods: Twenty-one plots of 100 m2 each (10 m × 10 m) were established for ecological survey and stand structures were analyzed for vegetation characteristics. While interviewing was applied to gather information on harvesting method, marketing, and medicinal uses.

Results: Three Anoectochilus orchids (A. lanceolatus, A. calcareus, and A. setaceus) were found in Lai Chau Province, North Vietnam. These species distribute in both evergreen old-growth and secondary broadleaved forests, and mixed broadleaf-bamboo forest on the elevations of 996–2,134 m. They grow in forests with a high canopy cover of 67 m2 canopy area/ 100 m2 land and high cover (> 90% land) of low vegetation (< 2 m tall). It is believed that using the whole plant of Anoectochilus can treat hypertension and diabetes mellitus and improve the development of underdeveloped children. The folk uses include soaking in alcohol and boiled water for daily drinks like green tea, and consuming as a vegetable. The best harvesting season is during Autumn–Winter and fresh product is mainly marketed with the price of up to 100 U$D/1 kg fresh mass.

Conclusion: A. lanceolatus, A. calcareus and A. setaceus are potential forest herbs for poverty reduction to ethnic communities in North Vietnam. The natural populations have been reduced remarkably because of overharvesting. Growing techniques are an urgent need for the conservation and sustainable development of such valuable orchids.
Aberrantly elevated suprabasin in the bone marrow as a candidate biomarker of advanced disease state in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Pribyl Miroslav , Hubackova Sona , Moudra Alena , Vancurova Marketa , Polackova Helena , Stopka Tomas , Jonasova Anna , Bokorova Radka , Fuchs Ota , Stritesky Jan , Salovska Barbora , Bartek Jiri , Hodny Zdenek
Published: July 2020

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are preleukemic disorders characterized by clonal growth of mutant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. MDS are associated with proinflammatory signaling, dysregulated immune response, and cell death in the bone marrow (BM). Aging, autoinflammation and autoimmunity are crucial features of disease progression, concordant with promoting growth of malignant clones and accumulation of mutations. Suprabasin (SBSN), a recently proposed proto‐oncogene of unknown function, physiologically expressed in stratified epithelia, is associated with poor prognosis of several human malignancies. Here, we showed that SBSN is expressed in the BM by myeloid cell subpopulations, including myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, and is secreted into BM plasma and peripheral blood of MDS patients. The highest expression of SBSN was present in a patient group with poor prognosis. SBSN levels in the BM correlated positively with blast percentage and negatively with CCL2 chemokine levels and lymphocyte count. In vitro treatment of leukemic cells with interferon‐gamma and demethylating agent 5‐azacytidine (5‐AC) induced SBSN expression. This indicated that aberrant cytokine levels in the BM and epigenetic landscape modifications in MDS patients may underlie ectopic expression of SBSN. Our findings suggest SBSN as a candidate biomarker of high‐risk MDS with a possible role in disease progression and therapy resistance.
Comprehensive Electrical Control of Metamagnetic Transition of a Quasi‐2D Antiferromagnet by In Situ Anisotropic Strain
Authors: Zhang Han , Hao Lin , Yang Junyi , Mutch Josh , Liu Zhaoyu , Huang Qing , Noordhoek Kyle , May Andrew F. , Chu Jiun‐Haw , Kim Jong‐Woo , Ryan Philip J. , Zhou Haidong , Liu Jian
Published: July 2020

Effective nonmagnetic control of the spin structure is at the forefront of the study for functional quantum materials. This study demonstrates that, by applying an anisotropic strain up to only 0.05%, the metamagnetic transition field of spin–orbit‐coupled Mott insulator Sr2IrO4 can be in situ modulated by almost 300%. Simultaneous measurements of resonant X‐ray scattering and transport reveal that this drastic response originates from the complete strain‐tuning of the transition between the spin‐flop and spin‐flip limits, and is always accompanied by large elastoconductance and magnetoconductance. This enables electrically controllable and electronically detectable metamagnetic switching, despite the antiferromagnetic insulating state. The obtained strain‐magnetic field phase diagram reveals that C4‐symmetry‐breaking anisotropy is introduced by strain via pseudospin‐lattice coupling, directly demonstrating the pseudo‐Jahn–Teller effect of spin–orbit‐coupled complex oxides. The extracted coupling strength is much weaker than the superexchange interactions, yet crucial for the spontaneous symmetry‐breaking, affording the remarkably efficient strain‐control.
Record Enhancement of Phase Transition Temperature Realized by H/F Substitution
Authors: Tang Yuan‐Yuan , Xie Yongfa , Zeng Yu‐Ling , Liu Jun‐Chao , He Wen‐Hui , Huang Xue‐Qin , Xiong Ren‐Gen
Published: July 2020

A high transition temperature (Tc) is essential for the practical application of ferroelectrics as electronic devices under extreme thermal conditions in the aerospace, automotive, and energy industries. In recent decades, the isotope effect and strain engineering are found to effectively modulate Tc; however, these strategies are limited to certain systems. Developing simple, universal, and practical methods to improve Tc has become an imminent challenge for expanding the applications of ferroelectrics. Here, by adopting a molecular design strategy involving H/F substitution on an organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (1‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane)CdCl3 at a Tc of 190 K, the successful synthesis of a multiaxial, ferroelectric hybrid perovskite (4‐fluoro‐1‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane)CdCl3 is reported, which demonstrates a large spontaneous polarization of 11.2 µC cm−2 (greater than that of polyvinylidene difluoride) and a Tc of 419 K (greater than that of BaTiO3). This temperature enhancement (229 K) is the largest reported for molecular ferroelectrics, far exceeding the reported enhancements induced by the isotope effect and other techniques. This pioneering technique provides an effective and universal method for improving Tc in ferroelectrics and represents an important step toward the development of high‐performance ferroelectric technology.
Building Meaningful Community Advocacy for Ethnic‐based Health Equity: The RoAd4Health Experience
Authors: Miranda Daniela E. , García‐Ramírez Manuel , Albar‐Marín María J.
Published: July 2020

The pervasive failure of policies aimed at overcoming health inequities suffered by European Roma reflects the oppressive and impoverished living conditions of many ethnic minorities in the Western world. The multiple social inequities that Roma experience and the cumulative effect on their health prove that the failure of health policies that impact Roma must be attributed to their ameliorative nature. These policies legitimize the mechanisms of oppression that sustain inequities, fueling fatalistic attitudes toward minorities, while these minorities internalize the stigma and attempt to survive on the margins of society. This paper presents the RoAd4Health project, a community initiative in which academic researchers partnered with Roma communities to overcome health inequities. We present the multiple methods utilized for building meaningful advocacy, such as photovoice and asset mapping led by Roma agents of change. These methods provided the capacity to develop a local narrative of disparities, build alliances to gain capacity to respond to injustices, and take actions to promote social change. The results of effectively involving all significant stakeholders (i.e., community agents of change, residents, health and social care providers, Roma community grassroots organizations, and institutional actors) are discussed along with lessons learned.
Die Muster HolzBauRichtlinie – erweiterte Regelungen für das Bauen mit Holz bis zur Hochhausgrenze
Authors: Merk Michael
Published: July 2020

Mit Stand Mai 2020 wurde der überarbeitete Entwurf zur neuen Muster‐Holzbaurichtlinie – M‐HolzBauRL – auf der Internetseite der Europäischen Kommission (https://ec.europa.eu) im Rahmen der Notifizierung veröffentlicht. Dieser Richtlinienentwurf stellt eine Weiterentwicklung der Muster‐Richtlinie über brandschutztechnische Anforderungen an hochfeuerhemmende Bauteile in Holzbauweise – M‐HFHHolzR – (Fassung Juli 2004) in Hinblick auf das Bauen mit Holz in der Gebäudeklasse 5 sowie die Errichtung von Außenwandbekleidungen aus Holz dar. Die Fortschreibung dieser Vorschrift konkretisiert die tw. bereits eingeführten bzw. noch geplanten Erweiterungen der Landesbauordnungen zur Verwendung des Baustoffs Holz für Gebäude bis zur Hochhausgrenze. Dieser Beitrag zeigt Historie, Entwicklung sowie Hintergründe der neuen Richtlinie und gibt einen Ausblick auf notwendige Themenpunkte zur Fortschreibung.
The artificial intelligence‐assisted cytology diagnostic system in large‐scale cervical cancer screening: A population‐based cohort study of 0.7 million women
Authors: Bao Heling , Sun Xiaorong , Zhang Yi , Pang Baochuan , Li Hua , Zhou Liang , Wu Fengpin , Cao Dehua , Wang Jian , Turic Bojana , Wang Linhong
Published: July 2020

Background

Adequate cytology is limited by insufficient cytologists in a large‐scale cervical cancer screening. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted cytology system in cervical cancer screening program.

Methods

We conducted a perspective cohort study within a population‐based cervical cancer screening program for 0.7 million women, using a validated AI‐assisted cytology system. For comparison, cytologists examined all slides classified by AI as abnormal and a randomly selected 10% of normal slides. Each woman with slides classified as abnormal by either AI‐assisted or manual reading was diagnosed by colposcopy and biopsy. The outcomes were histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+).

Results

Finally, we recruited 703 103 women, of whom 98 549 were independently screened by AI and manual reading. The overall agreement rate between AI and manual reading was 94.7% (95% confidential interval [CI], 94.5%‐94.8%), and kappa was 0.92 (0.91‐0.92). The detection rates of CIN2+ increased with the severity of cytology abnormality performed by both AI and manual reading (Ptrend < 0.001). General estimated equations showed that detection of CIN2+ among women with ASC‐H or HSIL by AI were significantly higher than corresponding groups classified by cytologists (for ASC‐H: odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, 95%CI 1.11‐1.34, P < .001; for HSIL: OR = 1.41, 1.28‐1.55, P < .001). AI‐assisted cytology was 5.8% (3.0%‐8.6%) more sensitive for detection of CIN2+ than manual reading with a slight reduction in specificity.

Conclusions

AI‐assisted cytology system could exclude most of normal cytology, and improve sensitivity with clinically equivalent specificity for detection of CIN2+ compared with manual cytology reading. Overall, the results support AI‐based cytology system for the primary cervical cancer screening in large‐scale population.
Bioenergy: The X‐Factor
Authors: Thrän Daniela , Pfeiffer Diana
Published: July 2020

No abstract.
The Impact of Membrane Composition and Co‐Drug Synergistic Effects on Vancomycin Association with Model Membranes from Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Sarangi Nirod Kumar , Stalcup Apryll , Keyes Tia E.
Published: July 2020

The interaction of the antibacterial drug, vancomycin with microcavity suspended lipid bilayers (MSLB) was investigated using non‐Faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Five MSLB compositions were prepared with increasing complexity at gold substrates: DOPC, DOPC:Chol, DOPC:SM:Chol, mammalian plasma membrane mimetic (MPM), and E. coli polar lipid extract. The latter two, are intended to mimic eukaryotic and bacterial inner membrane compositions respectively. The extent of vancomycin association and the impact drug association has on the electrochemical properties of the membrane depended on biomembrane composition. Trends were similar across all membranes but the E. coli membrane composition. Vancomycin increased membrane resistance and decreased capacitance in a saturable, concentration dependent manner, but for E. coli membrane resistance change was negligible and capacitance increased. Membrane resistance data was fit to the Langmuir‐Freundlich model to give quantitative insight into the relative extent of association of drug with membrane as a function of membrane composition. Overall, electrochemical data indicates that vancomycin associates at the interface of lipid membranes rather than penetrates the layer and this is promoted by the presence of anionic phospholipid. Interestingly, co‐incubation of the E. coli extract bilayer with both rifampicin and vancomycin, known to act synergistically, significantly promotes vancomycin association to E. coli membrane.
Annealing‐Free Platinum−Cobalt Alloy Nanoparticles on Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon with Boosted Oxygen Electroreduction Performance
Authors: Huang Kai , Xu Pengfu , He Xian , Wang Ruyue , Wang Yonggang , Yang Hujiang , Zhang Ru , Lei Ming , Tang Haolin
Published: July 2020

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts are critical components for the development of high‐efficiency fuel cells and metal‐air batteries. Supported PtCo alloy nanoparticles (NPs) with modified surface properties and reactivity through ligand, strain and/or ensemble effects are regarded as promising inexpensive low‐Pt candidates. Herein, we report an annealing‐free assembly of PtCo nanoparticles anchored on nitrogen‐doped mesoporous carbon (PtCo@NMC) for advanced ORR electrocatalysis in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes. Compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst, the half‐wave potential (E1/2) values of PtCo@NMC increase to 0.93–0.94 V (Vs. RHE) and positively shift by approximately 45 mV. Moreover, the annealing‐induced degradation stems from agglomeration and growth of alloy NPs. Considering the excellent long‐term durability according to both chronoamperometry (CA) and accelerated durability tests (ADTs), we demonstrate practical application with enhanced performance in electrochemical energy devices, such as a primary Zn–air battery assembled with PtCo@NMC cathode.
An evaluation of the tumour endothelial marker CLEC14A as a therapeutic target in solid tumours
Authors: Robinson Joseph , Whitworth Katharine , Jinks Elizabeth , Nagy Zsuzsanna , Bicknell Roy , Lee Steven P
Published: July 2020

Earlier studies identified the transmembrane cell surface C‐type lectin CLEC14A as a putative tumour endothelial marker. For CLEC14A to progress as a vascular target in solid tumours an in‐depth analysis of CLEC14A expression in human healthy and tumour tissue is needed. It is here shown that an analysis of 5332 RNA expression profiles in the public domain confirmed high expression of CLEC14A in tumour compared to healthy human tissue. It is further shown by immunohistochemistry that CLEC14A protein is absent, or expressed at a very low level, in healthy human and primate tissue. In contrast, CLEC14A is expressed on the vasculature of a range of human solid tumours, with particularly high expression in more than half of renal cell carcinomas. Elevated levels of CLEC14A transcripts were identified in some non‐cancer pathologies; such comorbidities may need to be excluded from trials of therapies targeting this marker. It is further shown that, as CLEC14A expression can be induced by the absence of shear stress, it is imperative that freshly collected as opposed to aged or post‐mortem tissue be analysed. We conclude that CLEC14A is a promising target to enable development of novel anti‐cancer therapies for solid tumours.
New‐onset atrial fibrillation and outcomes following isolated coronary artery bypass surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kerwin Matthew , Saado Jonathan , Pan Jonathan , Ailawadi Gorav , Mazimba Sula , Salerno Michael , Mehta Nishaki
Published: July 2020

Prior meta‐analyses have shown that new‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) occurs in up to 40% of patients following cardiac surgery and is associated with substantial major adverse cardiovascular events. The stroke and mortality implications of NOAF in isolated CABG without concomitant valve surgery is not known. We thought that NOAF would be associated with increased risk of stroke and mortality, even in patients undergoing isolated CABG. A blinded review of studies from MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science was done by two independent investigators. Stroke, 30‐day/hospital mortality, long‐term cardiovascular mortality, and long‐term (>1 year) all‐cause mortality were analyzed. We used Review Manager Version 5.3 to perform pooled analysis of outcomes. Of 4461 studies identified, 19 studies (n = 129 628) met inclusion criteria. NOAF incidence ranged from 15% to 36%. NOAF was associated with increased risk of stroke (unadjusted OR 2.15 [1.82, 2.53] [P < .00001]; adjusted OR 1.88 [1.02, 3.46] [P = .04]). NOAF was associated with increased 30‐day/hospital mortality (OR 2.35 [1.67, 3.32] [P < .00001]) and long‐term cardiovascular mortality (OR 2.04 [1.35, 3.09] [P = .0007]) NOAF was associated with increased long‐term all‐cause mortality (unadjusted OR 1.79 [1.63, 1.96] [P < .00001]; adjusted OR 1.58 [1.24, 2.00] [P = .0002]). We found that the incidence of NOAF following isolated CABG is high and is associated with increased stroke rate and mortality. Early recognition and management of NOAF could improve outcomes.
Leveraging energy‐efficient load balancing algorithms in fog computing
Authors: Singh Simar Preet , Kumar Rajesh , Sharma Anju , Nayyar Anand
Published: July 2020

Cloud computing and smart gadgets are the need of smart world these days. This often leads to latency and irregular connectivity issues in many situations. In order to overcome this issue, an emerging technique of fog computing is used for cloud and smart devices. A decentralized computing infrastructure in which all the elements, that is, storage, compute, data and the applications in use, are passed in an efficient and logical place between cloud and the data source, is called Fog computing. The cloud computing and services are generally extended by fog computing, which brings the power and advantages of data creation and data analysis at the network edge. Real‐time location based services and applications with mobility support are enabled due to the physical proximity of users and high speed internet connection to the cloud. Fog computing is promoted with leveraging load balancing techniques so as to balance the load which is done in two ways, that is, static load balancing and dynamic load balancing. In this paper, different load balancing algorithms are discussed and their comparative analysis has been carried out. Round Robin load balancing is the simplest and easiest load balancing technique to be implemented in fog computing environments. The major problem of Source IP Hash load balancing algorithm is that each change can redirect to anyone with a different server, and thus, is least preferred in fog networks. The mechanisms to make energy efficient load balancing are also considered as the part of this paper.
Detection of global positioning system spoofing attack on unmanned aerial vehicle system
Authors: Liang Chen , Miao Meixia , Ma Jianfeng , Yan Hongyang , Zhang Qun , Li Xinghua
Published: July 2020

Most of the existing global positioning system (GPS) spoofing detection schemes are vulnerable to the generative GPS spoofing attack, or require additional auxiliary equipment and extensive signal processing capabilities, leading to defects such as low real‐time performance and large communication overhead which are not available for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV, also known as drone) system. Therefore, we propose a novel solution which employs information fusion based on the GPS receiver and inertial measurement unit. We use a real‐time model of tracking and calculating to derive the current position of the drones which are then contrasted with the position information received by the receiver to verify whether the presence or absence of spoofing attack. Subsequent experimental work shows that, the proposed method can accurately detect the spoof within 8 seconds, with a detection rate (DR) of 98.6%. Compared with the existing schemes, the performance of real‐time detecting is improved while the DR is ensured. Even in our worst‐case, we detect the spoof within 28 seconds after the UAV system starts its mission.
A secure and robust group key distribution and authentication protocol with efficient rekey mechanism for dynamic access control in secure group communications
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Kumar Rajendra , Pandey Santosh K.
Published: July 2020

In today's Internet era, group communications have become more and more essential for many emerging applications. Given the openness of today's networks, efficient and secure distribution of common key is an essential issue for secure communications in the group. To maintain confidentiality during communication in the group, all authorized members require a common key called the group key in advance. This paper proposes a group key distribution and authentication protocol for dynamic access control in secure group communication using Chinese remainder theorem (CRT), which is highly secure and computationally efficient. The proposed protocol (1) has drastically reduced the computation complexity of group controller (GC) and members, (2) has provided intense security by means of an additional secret parameter used by GC and members, (3) has minimized storage and communication overheads, (4) has been decentralized for higher scalability so that it can efficiently handle large‐scale changes in the group membership, and (5) is suitable for many practical applications due to intense security along with low computation and storage overheads. Detailed security analysis proves that our protocol can guarantee the privacy and security requirements of group communications. Moreover, performance analysis also verifies the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed protocol. The proposed protocol has been experimented on star topology‐based key distribution system and observed that the protocol significantly reduces the computation cost and minimizes the communication and storage overheads.
The influence of pain on tibiofemoral joint contact force and muscle forces in knee osteoarthritis patients during stair ascent
Authors: Price Phil D. B. , Gissane Connor , Cleather Daniel J.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) forces and supporting muscle forces displayed by knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients during stair ascent, and if these forces were influenced by the presence of pain. Fifteen knee OA patients partitioned into two groups based on pain experienced during stair ascent trails using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (OA‐pain = 10; OA‐no pain = 5) and 14 healthy aged‐matched controls took part in this study. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during three stair ascent trials, which provided the inputs for the musculoskeletal model FreeBody. TFJ contact forces and muscles forces were predicted by the model at early, mid‐ and late stance. These variables were compared between groups using a one‐way analysis of variance. The results show the OA‐pain (P < .05; d = 2.4) and OA‐no pain (P < .05; d = 1.1) groups displayed reduced medial TFJ contact forces and altered muscle forces in comparison to healthy controls during early stance. This suggests pain and the anticipation of pain results in knee OA patients deliberately offloading the front limb during stair ascent, which alters supporting muscle forces. This study provides valuable information on knee OA mechanics during stair ascent for clinicians developing rehabilitation programs.
Performance evaluation of multiple fractured horizontal wells in shale gas reservoirs
Authors: Li Chengyong , Ye Jianwen , Yang Jing , Zhou Jun
Published: July 2020

With the rapid development of hydraulic fracturing technology, shale gas has become a significant natural gas resource in China. At present, SRV (stimulated reservoir volume) fracturing technology is widely used to exploit shale gas reservoirs. To evaluate the shale gas reserves and design a development plan, a simple and rapid method is needed to predict the production and performance of the multistage fractured horizontal wells with stimulated reservoir volume in shale gas reservoirs. Network fractures with different lengths and widths are not symmetrical to the horizontal well. To account for the complexity of the fracture system and desorption characteristics of shale gas, a semianalytical multiregion seepage model has been established to analyze the performance of multiple fractured horizontal wells. In this paper, a triple‐porosity dual‐permeability model is developed for simulating the flow mechanism of shale gas. Different lengths and widths of network fractures, different fracture intervals, and asymmetry distribution are considered in this model. By employing the principle of Poisson's superposition and Bessel transformation, the fundamental solution of instantaneous point source function has been derived to calculate the pressure response of each hydraulic fracture. Then, the mathematical model for unsteady performance evaluation in multiple fractured horizontal wells has been obtained to simultaneously solve the pressure response of every hydraulic fracture. The sensitivity analysis in terms of the lengths and widths of network fractures, fracture intervals, and the asymmetry distribution of a complex fracture system is presented. The research results show that the SRV morphology will exert a great influence on the performance of multiple fractured horizontal wells.
Fluvial transport of coarse particulate organic matter in a coastal mountain stream of a rainy‐temperate evergreen broadleaf forest in southern Chile
Authors: Iroumé Andrés , Ruiz‐Villanueva Virginia , Salas‐Coliboro Sebastián
Published: July 2020

Coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM, i.e. particles such as leaves, wood fragments, twigs, branches, flowers, seeds and fruits) in aquatic systems influences the flow, provides an important food source, and at the catchment scale, may significantly contribute to total carbon export. CPOM exports have rarely been quantified in subtropical, broadleaf forest streams. We captured CPOM in Bunte traps in the rainfall‐dominated Vuelta de Zorra stream in southern Chile to (a) propose a novel classification to characterize the different CPOM components, (b) analyze the frequency of each matter class (i.e. leaves, wood fragments, and ‘others’) and its seasonal variability, (c) quantify the CPOM transported, (d) derive a model to quantify CPOM transport rates, and (e) compare the transported CPOM data with those from a unique long‐term (> seven years) large wood monitoring dataset. Results showed that leaves were significantly more abundant than other types of CPOM in all seasons. The dry CPOM transport rate ranged over three orders of magnitude, and there was a significant relationship with mean discharge. Mean dry CPOM yield for the study period 2015–2017 was 4.6 kg/ha/yr when normalizing to the total forested catchment area. The 2009–2018 decadal average yield was 6.8 kg/ha/yr when normalizing to the total forested catchment area. These values are similar to measurements from deciduous and coniferous forests in streams in the United States and the Brazilian Mato Grosso and ~1/10 of the yields obtained in a Swiss torrent. Over a three‐year period, the CPOM exports in Vuelta de Zorra ranged between 13 and 36% of the exported large wood (particles with diameters ≥ 100 mm and length ≥ 1 m) exports. Our data collected from an underrepresented area improve the understanding of global carbon budgets and cycling. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new test method to determine the fire behavior of façades with etic system
Authors: Cancelliere Piergiacomo , Canzani Paolo , Sassi Samuele , Lucchini Angelo , Messa Silvio , Anselmi Eleonora
Published: July 2020

New building high‐energy efficiency requirements have introduced a significant utilization of combustible materials as thermal insulation in building envelopes and especially in façades. The damage occurring in case of fire can thus become considerable, due to greater fire spread. Risks for building occupants and unsafety for rescue team are added to social, economic, and environmental consequences. Despite the fire behavior of the single thermal insulation materials is known, the fire performance of the finished façade system is not yet predictable.This paper describes a proposal of a new medium‐scale test method to evaluate the fire behavior for façades with external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS). The project aimed to identify a test protocol conceived to be repeatable, versatile, and able to provide the relevant evaluation fire hazard quantities required for performing a fire risk assessment. Furthermore, the fire hazardous quantities collected during the test could also be useful for a fire performance‐based design using fire safety engineering to define building fire safety requirements, occupant evacuation systems, the safety of rescue teams intervention and for estimating residual damage on the building and the adjacent ones after the outbreak of a fire.
An improved dealiasing scheme for the fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta method: Formulation, accuracy and efficiency analysis
Authors: Sinhababu Arijit , Ayyalasomayajula Sathyanarayana
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the Random Phase Shift Method (RPSM) dealiasing scheme has been developed with the classical fourth‐order explicit Runge‐Kutta (RK4) method. This scheme is implemented in different benchmark problems to verify its numerical accuracy and computational efficiency where strong gradients are present in the solution. The propagation of aliasing errors through the substeps of RK4 is derived to show the existence of the residual aliasing error terms which results in mild smoothing effect without dissipating the small‐scale flow structures. Smoothness and numerical stability in the solutions obtained from the RPSM scheme also remain well preserved even at under‐resolved conditions. Numerical results agree well with the analytical and the computed solutions from previous studies. RPSM scheme shows a slight delay in the formation of numerical singularity for the inviscid flows but the filtering‐based schemes suffer from early blow‐up problem. We observe that this scheme displays better resolving ability than higher‐order exponential smoothing spectral filter scheme in capturing the strong fronts accurately even at just resolved spatial grid resolutions. Three‐dimensional truncation‐based dealiasing scheme, spherical truncation (SPT) shows vortices generated due to the parasitic currents in the solution of the inviscid three‐dimensional Taylor Green (TG) vortex flows. RPSM displays only the accurate isocontours of vortical field at nearly same computational expenses as the SPT scheme.
Probabilistic mapping of language networks from high frequency activity induced by direct electrical stimulation
Authors: Perrone‐Bertolotti Marcela , Alexandre Sarah , Jobb Anne‐Sophie , De Palma Luca , Baciu Monica , Mairesse Marie‐Pierre , Hoffmann Dominique , Minotti Lorella , Kahane Philippe , David Olivier
Published: July 2020

Direct electrical stimulation (DES) at 50 Hz is used as a gold standard to map cognitive functions but little is known about its ability to map large‐scale networks and specific subnetwork. In the present study, we aim to propose a new methodological approach to evaluate the specific hypothesis suggesting that language errors/dysfunction induced by DES are the result of large‐scale network modification rather than of a single cortical region, which explains that similar language symptoms may be observed after stimulation of different cortical regions belonging to this network. We retrospectively examined 29 patients suffering from focal drug‐resistant epilepsy who benefitted from stereo‐electroencephalographic (SEEG) exploration and exhibited language symptoms during a naming task following 50 Hz DES. We assessed the large‐scale language network correlated with behavioral DES‐induced responses (naming errors) by quantifying DES‐induced changes in high frequency activity (HFA, 70–150 Hz) outside the stimulated cortical region. We developed a probabilistic approach to report the spatial pattern of HFA modulations during DES‐induced language errors. Similarly, we mapped the pattern of after‐discharges (3–35 Hz) occurring after DES. HFA modulations concurrent to language symptoms revealed a brain network similar to our current knowledge of language gathered from standard brain mapping. In addition, specific subnetworks could be identified within the global language network, related to different language processes, generally described in relation to the classical language regions. Spatial patterns of after‐discharges were similar to HFA induced during DES. Our results suggest that this new methodological DES‐HFA mapping is a relevant approach to map functional networks during SEEG explorations, which would allow to shift from “local” to “network” perspectives.
Long non‐coding RNA CRNDE and toll‐like receptor 3 correlate with disease severity, inflammation, and mortality in sepsis
Authors: Yang Junhui , Liu Wei , Xu Mei , Yu Li
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to assess the interaction between long non‐coding RNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (lncRNA CRNDE) and toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3), and assess their correlations with disease severity, inflammation, and 28‐days mortality in sepsis patients.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 146 sepsis patients and 146 healthy controls (HCs), and collected their peripheral blood mononuclear cells to detect lncRNA CRNDE and TLR3 expressions using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. LncRNA CRNDE and TLR3 in sepsis patients were classified into four clusters according to quantile expressions (Quantile 1 (0%‐24%), Quantile 2 (25%‐50%), Quantile 3 (50%‐74%), and Quantile 4 (75%‐100%)) for correlation analysis.

Results

LncRNA CRNDE was upregulated in sepsis patients compared with HCs, and it showed good value in differentiating sepsis patients form HCs by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In sepsis patients, lncRNA CRNDE positively correlated with acute pathologic and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, as well as serum creatinine (Scr). As for inflammation, lncRNA CRNDE positively correlated with C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8. Regarding mortality, lncRNA CRNDE positively correlated with 28‐days mortality. Furthermore, lncRNA CRNDE positively correlated with TLR3, and TLR3 positively associated with APACHE II score, SOFA score, Scr, albumin, CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and 28‐days mortality in sepsis patients.

Conclusion

LncRNA CRNDE interacts with TLR3, both of which correlate with advanced disease severity, inflammation, and higher 28‐days mortality in sepsis patients.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure‐Response Relationship of Luspatercept, an Erythroid Maturation Agent, in Anemic Patients With β‐Thalassemia
Authors: Chen Nianhang , Kassir Nastya , Laadem Abderrahmane , Giuseppi Ana Carolina , Shetty Jeevan , Maxwell Stephen E. , Sriraman Priya , Ritland Steve , Linde Peter G. , Budda Balasubrahmanyam , Reynolds Joseph G. , Zhou Simon , Palmisano Maria
Published: July 2020

β‐Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder resulting from defects in hemoglobin production, leading to premature death of red blood cells (RBCs) or their precursors. Patients with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia often need lifelong regular RBC transfusions to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels. Frequent transfusions may lead to iron overload and organ damage. Thus, there is a large unmet need for alternative therapies. Luspatercept, a first‐in‐class erythroid maturation agent, is the first approved therapy in the United States for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with β‐thalassemia who require regular RBC transfusions. The population pharmacokinetics and exposure‐response relationship of luspatercept were evaluated in 285 patients with β‐thalassemia. Luspatercept displayed linear and time‐invariant pharmacokinetics when administered subcutaneously once every 3 weeks. Body weight was the only clinically relevant covariate of luspatercept clearance, favoring weight‐based dosing. Magnitude and frequency of hemoglobin increase, if not influenced by RBC transfusions, was positively correlated with luspatercept area under the serum concentration‐time curve (AUC), 0.2‐1.25 mg/kg, whereas a significant reduction in RBC units transfused was observed in frequently transfused patients. The probability of achieving ≥33% or ≥50% reduction in RBC transfusion burden was similar across the time‐averaged AUC (0.6‐1.25 mg/kg), with the 1 mg/kg starting dose sufficient for most early responders (71%‐80%). Increasing luspatercept AUC (0.2‐1.25 mg/kg) did not increase incidence or severity of treatment‐emergent adverse events. These results provide a positive benefit‐risk profile for the recommended luspatercept doses (1‐1.25 mg/kg) in treating adult patients with β‐thalassemia who require regular RBC transfusions.
Combustion and emission characteristics of solid waste from dioctyl phthalate production
Authors: Sun Zhiguo , Fan Jiaming , Feng Run , Wang Menglu , Zhou Yue , Zhang Li
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

A novel combustion process of solid waste from dioctyl phthalate (SWDOP) production was developed. The SWDOP is high in organic combustible components, has high calorific value, low ash content and no halogen element and is especially suitable for combustion treatment. The combustion and emission characteristics of SWDOP under various conditions in a tube furnace were investigated.

RESULTS

Major pollution factors detected in flue gas include CO, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particles and NO. The combustion of SWDOP happens in two stages. Most DOP escapes from activated carbon and oxidizes to VOCs between 150 and 270 °C, and the activated carbon burns together with the little residual DOP between 270 and 525 °C. Moreover, thermogravimetry was employed to study the effects of combustion of SWDOP. There are two strong and narrow peaks at around 250 and 420 °C in the differential thermogravimetry curve since DOP evaporates rapidly at 250 °C, and activated carbon burns intensely at 420 °C. The peak concentration of VOCs during combustion is 245.4 mg m−3 at 250 °C and 254.9 mg m−3 at 400 °C. Among all VOCs, toluene concentration is the largest, accounting for 70%. The generated CO concentration decreases with increasing air flow. Varied‐mesh screens were used to intercept and detect the particle matter from flue gas, while particle size distributions and scanning electron microscopy analyses were carried out. The amount of condensates from the flue gas is increased as the air flow increases. It was determined from Fourier transform infrared analysis that both the SWDOP sample and the flue gas contain DOP.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in this work suggest that temperature has a great effect on the combustion and emission of SWDOP. Owing to many advantages of this treatment process for SWDOP by combustion, it has great potential for commercial applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Spore morphology and leaf epidermal anatomy as a taxonomic source in the identification of Asplenium species from Malakand division Pakistan
Authors: Shah Syed Nasar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Hadi Fazal , Khan Muhammad Nauman , Noor Adil , Malik Khafsa , Rashid Neelam , Kamal Asif , Iqbal Majid
Published: July 2020

Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of leaf epidermal, and spore morphological characters in the taxonomy of genus Asplenium. However, works on the Pakistani species of Asplenium are not existent. With the objective to verify the efficacy of leaf epidermal and spore morphological traits, the leaf epidermis and spore morphology in nine Asplenium species occurring in Malakand division was studied. The spores were studied under light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), whereas for leaf epidermal anatomy, the LM was used. The spores are monolete, ellipsoidal in shape, the equatorial and polar diameter ranges between 28.3 and 50.2 × 27.6 and 45.8 μm. The exospore thickness varied from 0.5 to 3.8 μm. The perispore is 0.8–3.5 μm thick, ornamented, and morphologically variable. The spores characters specifically the perispore ornamentation are useful in distinguishing species within the genus. The irregular spore shape and unusual development of perispore wall surface characterize aborted spores in the species of Asplenium × alternifolium. The most informative quantitative characters appeared to be length and width of epidermal cells, and length and width of stomata were useful to distinguish species. The most significant qualitative characters to distinguish species were the anticlinal wall pattern. Our study has shown that considerable variations exist in the leaf epidermis of Asplenium species, at least some of which has taxonomic significance. We confirmed the prevalent taxonomic value of stomatal and epidermal cells traits. The leaf epidermal anatomy and spore morphological features showed to be a good source of information for taxonomy of the genus Asplenium.
Global Research Alliance N2O chamber methodology guidelines: Recommendations for air sample collection, storage, and analysis
Authors: Harvey M. J. , Sperlich P. , Clough T. J. , Kelliher F. M. , McGeough K. L. , Martin R. J. , Moss R.
Published: July 2020

Certain aspects in the collection, handling, storage, and subsequent analysis of discrete air samples from non‐steady‐state flux chambers are critical to generating accurate and unbiased estimates of nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes. The focus of this paper is on air sample collection and storage in small vials (<12 ml) primarily for gas chromatography (GC) analysis. Sample integrity is assured through following simple procedures including storage under pressure and analysis within a few months of collection. Concurrent storage of standards in an identical manner to samples is recommended and allows the storage period to be reliably extended. In the laboratory, an autosampler is typically used in batch analysis of ∼200 sequentially analyzed samples by GC with an electron capture detector (ECD). Some comparisons are given between GC and alternatives including optical N2O detectors that are increasingly being used for high‐precision N2O measurement. The importance of calibration and traceability of gas standards is discussed, where high‐quality standards ensure the most accurate assessment of N2O concentration and comparability between laboratories. The calibration allows a consistent and best estimate of flux to be derived.
Hyperechoic Periappendiceal Fat
Authors: Penticuff Ryan , Jeffrey R. Brooke , Olcott Eric W.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that abutting and encasing types of hyperechoic periappendiceal fat are specific sonographic indicators of appendicitis in pediatric patients, including individuals with maximum outer diameters (MODs) of 6 to 8 mm in whom diagnosis by the MOD alone is known to be equivocal.

Methods

Appendiceal sonograms of 271 consecutive pediatric patients were retrospectively evaluated for hyperechoic periappendiceal fat (globular, ≥1.0 cm; categorized as type 0, none; type 1, “abutting,” encompassing <180° of the appendiceal circumference; or type 2, “encasing,” encompassing 180° or more of the appendiceal circumference) and the MOD. Histopathologic and medical records constituted reference standards. Statistical methods included the binomial distribution, logistic regression, a receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the exact McNemar test.

Results

All patients with hyperechoic fat and 105 of 107 patients with appendicitis had MODs of 6 mm or greater. The MOD and fat types 1 and 2 each were significantly associated with appendicitis in the univariable regression. The MOD and fat type 1 were independently associated with appendicitis in multivariable regression (odds ratio, 24.97; P = .034; and odds ratio, 5.35; P < .001, respectively). Specificities of an MOD of 6 to 8 mm and an MOD of 6 mm or greater alone were 89.0% (95% confidence interval, 83.2%–93.4%); these increased to 100.0% each (95% confidence interval, 97.8%–100.0%; P < .001) when combined with fat types 1, 2, and either 1 or 2 as diagnostic criteria, with positive predictive values of 100.0%.

Conclusions

Types 1 and 2 periappendiceal fat are specific indicators of appendicitis, and both improve specificity compared to the MOD. Importantly, they add specificity in diagnosing appendicitis in patients with diagnostically equivocal MODs of 6 to 8 mm.
A homozygote variant in the tRNA splicing endonuclease subunit 54 causes pontocerebellar hypoplasia in a consanguineous Iranian family
Authors: Sepahvand Afrooz , Razmara Ehsan , Bitarafan Fatemeh , Galehdari Mohammad , Tavasoli Ali Reza , Almadani Navid , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: July 2020

Background

Homozygous loss‐of‐function mutations in TSEN54 (tRNA splicing endonuclease subunit 54; OMIM: 608755) cause different types of pontocerebellar hypoplasias (PCH) including PCH2, PCH4, and PCH5. The study aimed to determine the possible genetic factors contributing to PCH phenotypes in two affected male infants in an Iranian family.

Methods

We subjected two affected individuals in a consanguineous Iranian family. To systematically investigate the susceptible gene(s), whole‐exome sequencing was performed on the proband and a novel identified variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. We also analyzed 26 relatives in three generations using PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) followed and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Physical and medical examinations confirmed PCH in the patients. Besides, the proband showed bilateral moderate sensorineural hearing loss and structural heart defects as the novel phenotypes. The molecular findings also verified that two affected individuals were homozygote for the novel synonymous variant, NM_207346.2: c.1170G>A; p.(Val390Val), in TSEN54. PCR‐RFLP and Sanger sequencing elucidated that the parents and 16 relatives were heterozygote for the novel variant.

Conclusion

We identified a novel synonymous variant, c.1170G>A, in TSEN54 associated with PCH in an Iranian family. Based on this study, we strongly suggest using “TSENopathies” to show the overlapped phenotypes among different types of PCH resulted from TSEN causative mutations.
Decay rates for the energy of a singular nonlocal viscoelastic system
Authors: Alaeddine Draifia
Published: July 2020

This work deals with decay rates for the energy of an initial boundary value problem with a nonlocal boundary condition for a system of nonlinear singular viscoelastic equations. We prove the decay rates for the energy of a singular one‐dimensional viscoelastic system with a nonlinear source term and nonlocal boundary condition of relaxation kernels described by the inequality
for all t ≥ 0, with H convex.
Uniqueness of the weak solution to the fractional anisotropic Navier‐Stokes equations
Authors: Sun Xiaochun , Liu Huandi
Published: July 2020

In this work, we demonstrate uniqueness of the weak solution to the fractional anisotropic Navier‐Stokes system with only horizontal dissipation.