bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus [L.]) as Influenced by Row Arrangement and Cowdung Rates Grown in Intercrop with Maize (Zea mays [L.]) in Sudan Savanna
Authors: Adam B. K. , Kabura B. H. , Dantata I. J.
Published: June 2020

Aims: To study the performance of watermelon in maize/watermelon intercrop under varied row arrangements and cow dung rates in a Sudan Savanna area.

Study Design: Field-experimental design was used in this study.

Place and Duration of Study: Field trials were carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of University of Maiduguri in Borno State, Nigeria during the 2014 and 2015 rainy seasons.

Methodology: Field trials with treatments consisting of factorial combinations of three row arrangements of maize: watermelon (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) and five levels of cow dung rates (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20t per ha) laid out in a split plot design and replicated three times. Cow dung was assigned to the main plots while row arrangements were assigned to the sub plots. The parameters of watermelon studied were: number of fruits per plant, fruit circumference, fruit length, fruits weight per plant and fruit yield per ha.

Results: The results showed that number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per ha of watermelon were significantly greater at 1:2 row arrangement than the other planting patterns used. Application of 15t cow dung per ha was found to be maximum for number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per ha of watermelon. The interaction or combination of 1:2 row arrangement and 15t cow dung per ha was optimum for fruit yield per ha of watermelon.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, 1:2 row arrangement with application of 15t cow dung per ha should be adopted for production of watermelon in maize/watermelon intercrop in the Sudan Savanna agro-ecology.
Indigenous System of Soil Fertility Management in a Typical Farm Settlement in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Akinloye Kehinde, F. , Akinloye Florence, Y. , Orimoogunje Oluwagbenga, O. I. , Adeleke Benjamin, O.
Published: June 2020

Lives on earth depends on soil for survival and functioning as soil provides the basis for livelihood, however, this essential resource has been totally degraded and depleted due to human mismanagement and thus hampering its productivity potential. Therefore, this study focused on the knowledge of the peasant farmer’s indigenous system of soil fertility management with a view to documenting and comparing the indigenous and scientific knowledge adopted by farmer in assessing soil nutrient availability status in Ago-Owu farm settlement. The physico-chemical analysis of the soil samples for soil characterization and land dynamics are in agreement  with the indigenous knowledge in operation in the study area. The study concluded that it is essential to integrate the traditional knowledge base as a complimentary component to the modern methods for effective management of soil fertility as an essential resource.
Challenges and opportunities in population monitoring of cheetahs
Authors: Linden Daniel W. , Green David S. , Chelysheva Elena V. , Mandere Salim Mandela , Dloniak Stephanie M.
Published: June 2020

Population monitoring is key to wildlife conservation and management but is challenging at the spatial and temporal extents necessary for understanding changes. Noninvasive survey methods and spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models have revolutionized wildlife monitoring by providing the means to acquire data at large scales and the framework to generate spatially explicit predictions, respectively. Despite opportunities for improved monitoring, challenges can remain in the study design and model fitting phases of an SCR approach. Here, we used a search‐encounter design with multi‐session SCR models to collect spatially indexed photographs and estimate changes in density of cheetahs between 2005 and 2013–2016 in the Masai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) in Kenya. Our SCR models of cheetah encounters suggested little change in cheetah density from 2005 to 2013–2016, with some evidence that density fluctuated annually in the MMNR. The sampling period length (5 vs. 10 months) and timing (early, late, full year) over which spatial encounters were modeled did not alter inferences about density when sample sizes were adequate (>20 spatially distinct encounters). Our average density estimate of ~1.2 cheetahs/100 km2 is consistent with the impression that the MMNR provides important cheetah habitat in Africa. During most years, spatial distribution of vegetation greenness (proxy for ungulate habitat quality) accounted for important variation in encounter rates. The search‐encounter design here could be applied to other regions for cheetah monitoring. While snapshot estimates of population size across time are useful for wildlife monitoring, open population models may better identify the mechanisms behind temporal changes.
The DNA methylation landscape of hematological malignancies: an update
Authors: Blecua Pedro , Martinez‐Verbo Laura , Esteller Manel
Published: June 2020

The rapid advances in high‐throughput sequencing technologies have made it more evident that epigenetic modifications orchestrate a plethora of complex biological processes. During the last decade, we have gained significant knowledge about a wide range of epigenetic changes that crucially contribute to some of the most aggressive forms of leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic player in the abnormal initiation, development, and progression of these malignancies, often acting in synergy with other epigenetic alterations. It also contributes to the acquisition of drug resistance. In this review, we summarize the role of DNA methylation in hematological malignancies described in the current literature. We discuss in detail the dual role of DNA methylation in normal and aberrant hematopoiesis, as well as the involvement of this type of epigenetic change in other aspects of the disease. Finally, we present a comprehensive overview of the main clinical implications, including a discussion of the therapeutic strategies that regulate or reverse aberrant DNA methylation patterns in hematological malignancies, including their combination with (chemo)immunotherapy.
Predictive quality assurance of a linear accelerator based on the machine performance check application using statistical process control and ARIMA forecast modeling
Authors: Puyati Wayo , Khawne Amnach , Barnes Michael , Zwan Benjamin , Greer Peter , Fuangrod Todsaporn
Published: June 2020

Purpose

A predictive linac quality assurance system based on the output of the Machine Performance Check (MPC) application was developed using statistical process control and autoregressive integrated moving average forecast modeling. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of predictive quality assurance based on MPC tests that allow proactive preventative maintenance procedures to be carried out to better ensure optimal linac performance and minimize downtime.

Method and Materials

Daily MPC data were acquired for a total of 490 measurements. The initial 85% of data were used in prediction model learning with the autoregressive integrated moving average technique and in calculating upper and lower control limits for statistical process control analysis. The remaining 15% of data were used in testing the accuracy of the predictions of the proposed system. Two types of prediction were studied, namely, one‐step‐ahead values for predicting the next day's quality assurance results and six‐step‐ahead values for predicting up to a week ahead. Results that fall within the upper and lower control limits indicate a normal stage of machine performance, while the tolerance, determined from AAPM TG‐142, is the clinically required performance. The gap between the control limits and the clinical tolerances (as the warning stage) provides a window of opportunity for rectifying linac performance issues before they become clinically significant. The accuracy of the predictive model was tested using the root‐mean‐square error, absolute error, and average accuracy rate for all MPC test parameters.

Results

The accuracy of the predictive model is considered high (average root‐mean‐square error and absolute error for all parameters of less than 0.05). The average accuracy rate for indicating the normal/warning stages was higher than 85.00%.

Conclusion

Predictive quality assurance with the MPC will allow preventative maintenance, which could lead to improved linac performance and a reduction in unscheduled linac downtime.
Rheumatic Conditions as Risk Factors for Self‐Harm: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Prior James A. , Paskins Zoe , Whittle Rebecca , Abdul‐Sultan Alyshah , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Muller Sara , Bajpai Ram , Shepherd Tom A. , Sumathipala Athula , Mallen Christian D.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To examine the risk of self‐harm in rheumatic conditions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis were identified from 1990 to 2016 and matched to patients without these conditions. Incident self‐harm was defined by medical record codes following a rheumatic diagnosis. Incidence rates (per 10,000 person‐years) were reported for each condition, both overall and year‐on‐year (2000–2016). Cox regression analysis determined risk (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [95% CI]) of self‐harm for each rheumatic cohort compared to the matched unexposed cohort. Initial crude analysis was subsequently adjusted and stratified by age and sex. Due to nonproportionality over time, osteoarthritis was also stratified by disease duration (<1 year, ≥1 to <5 years, ≥5 to <10 years, and ≥10 years).

Results

The incidence of self‐harm was highest in patients with fibromyalgia (HR 25.12 [95% CI 22.45–28.11] per 10,000 person‐years) and lowest for osteoarthritis (HR 6.48 [95% CI 6.20–6.76]). There was a crude association with each rheumatic condition and self‐harm, except for ankylosing spondylitis. Although attenuated, these associations remained after adjustment for fibromyalgia (HR 2.06 [95% CI 1.60–2.65]), rheumatoid arthritis (HR 1.59 [95% CI 1.20–2.11]), and osteoarthritis (1 to <5 years HR 1.12 [95% CI 1.01–1.24]; ≥5 to <10 years HR 1.35 [95% CI 1.18–1.54]). Age and sex were weak effect modifiers for these associations.

Conclusion

Primary care patients with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis (but not ankylosing spondylitis) are at increased risk of self‐harm compared to people without these rheumatic conditions. Clinicians need to be aware of the potential for self‐harm in patients with rheumatic conditions (particularly fibromyalgia), explore mood and risk with them, and offer appropriate support and management.
Perspectives of Patients With Rheumatic Diseases in the Early Phase of COVID‐19
Authors: Antony Anna , Connelly Kathryn , De Silva Thilinie , Eades Laura , Tillett William , Ayoub Sally , Morand Eric
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine health perceptions of patients with rheumatic diseases in the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

Rheumatology patients at a single center received via text message the Australian Rheumatology Association COVID‐19 information sheet and an invitation to participate in a deidentified survey. Patient concerns regarding risks conferred by their rheumatologic disease or medications, impact of receiving the information sheet on the likelihood of staying on medication, and acceptance of telehealth were ascertained.

Results

A total of 2,630 patients received the text message, and the survey response rate was 21% (n = 550). The mean ± SD age of the participants was 52 ± 15.2 years, and 75.3% were female. Participants’ highest ranked concern was that their medications would increase the severity of their COVID‐19 symptoms (76.1%). The highest levels of concern were seen in patients taking combination conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or a biologic/targeted synthetic DMARD. There was no association between prednisolone dose and concern. While 63% of patients planned to continue their antirheumatic medications, a further 30% were more likely to continue taking their medications because of receiving the information. Telehealth was acceptable to 98.4% of patients, but 28.1% felt this was only appropriate while infection control measures were in place.

Conclusion

Concerns regarding the risk of COVID‐19 among patients taking antirheumatic drugs are common. Proactive dissemination of information is needed to address misconceptions related to medication risk, improve medication adherence, and minimize the risk of flares. Telehealth is acceptable to most patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Cognitive Function Trajectories in Association With the Depressive Symptoms Trajectories in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Over Time
Authors: Touma Zahi , Moghaddam Bahar , Su Jiandong , Katz Patricia
Published: June 2020

Objective

Cognitive function may change over time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and cognitive function trajectories have not been well studied. We aimed to identify cognitive function trajectories in SLE and describe them with depressive symptoms trajectories, and we also aimed to identify baseline factors associated with class membership in the dual trajectories.

Methods

Longitudinal data from the University of California San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study were analyzed. Two outcome trajectories were studied jointly, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) (administered annually). Univariate/multivariable logistic regression analyses examined baseline factors associated with class memberships.

Results

A total of 755 patients were studied, and 4 latent classes were identified: 1) low CES‐D scores and low cognitive scores (no depression plus cognitive impairment; 20%), 2) lowest CES‐D scores and highest normal cognitive scores (no depression plus normal cognition; 48%), 3) highest CES‐D scores and lowest cognitive scores (depression plus cognitive impairment; 9%), and 4) high CES‐D scores and cognitive score at borderline (depression plus borderline cognition; 23%).

Conclusion

In all, 4 distinct classes of dual cognitive function and depressive symptoms were identified. Persistently low cognitive performance in 28% of patients (classes 1 and 3) did not significantly improve over 7 years. Cognitive impairment was associated with depression status in 9% of patients (class 3). Other factors also predicted latent class membership: ethnicity, education, disease activity, physical functioning, and bodily pain. These results highlight the importance of periodic assessment of cognitive function and of different aspects relevant for assessing and managing cognitive function over time in SLE.
In Situ Spectroscopy of Calcium Fluoride Anchored Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films during Gas Sorption
Authors: Mandemaker Laurens D. B. , Rivera‐Torrente Miguel , Geitner Robert , Vis Carolien M. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: June 2020

Surface‐mounted metal–organic frameworks (SURMOFs) show promising behavior for a manifold of applications. As MOF thin films are often unsuitable for conventional characterization techniques, understanding their advantageous properties over their bulk counterparts presents a great analytical challenge. In this work, we demonstrate that MOFs can be grown on calcium fluoride (CaF2) windows after proper functionalization. As CaF2 is optically (in the IR and UV/Vis range of the spectrum) transparent, this makes it possible to study SURMOFs using conventional spectroscopic tools typically used during catalysis or gas sorption. Hence, we have measured HKUST‐1 during the adsorption of CO and NO. We show that no copper oxide impurities are observed and also confirm that SURMOFs grown by a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) approach possess Cu+ species in paddlewheel confirmation, but 1.9 times less than in bulk HKUST‐1. The developed methodology paves the way for studying the interaction of any adsorbed gases with thin films, not limited to MOFs, low temperatures, or these specific probe molecules, pushing the boundaries of our current understanding of functional porous materials.
Enantioselective Cobalt‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydroacylation of 1,6‐Enynes
Authors: Whyte Andrew , Bajohr Jonathan , Torelli Alexa , Lautens Mark
Published: June 2020

We report a cobalt‐catalyzed hydroacylation of 1,6‐enynes with exogenous aldehydes in a domino sequence to construct enantioenriched ketones. The products were obtained in good yields with excellent regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivity. Furthermore, the chiral products served as valuable precursors to access complex spirocyclic scaffolds with three contiguous stereocenters. The asymmetric hydroacylation process exhibited no C−H crossover and no KIE, thus indicating that the C−H bond cleavage was not involved in the turnover‐limiting step.
CO2‐resistant SDC‐SSAF oxygen selective dual‐phase hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Zhang Shude , Li Claudia , Meng Xiuxia , Tan Xiaoyao , Zhu Zhonghua , Sunarso Jaka , Liu Shaomin
Published: June 2020

Ce0.85Sm0.15O1.925–Sm0.6Sr0.4Al0.3Fe0.7O3‐δ (SDC‐SSAF) hollow fiber membranes aimed for oxyfuel application are fabricated via a phase inversion‐sintering technique using powders synthesized from EDTA–citrate complex method. Oxygen ions transport is revealed to be the limiting step that determines the overall oxygen transport rate in SDC‐SSAF. SDC‐SSAF hollow fiber membrane attained a maximum flux of 2.6 ml min−1 cm−2 at 950°C under an oxygen partial pressure difference of 1/0.02 atm (feed/permeate). Variation in oxygen partial pressure on the permeate side exerts larger influence on the oxygen permeation flux relative to the change on the feed side. Stability tests over 100 h demonstrate stable oxygen permeation flux under both He and CO2 sweep conditions.
Electrospun PCL and PLA hybrid nanofibrous scaffolds containing Nigella sativa herbal extract for effective wound healing
Authors: Sharifi Mohaddeseh , Bahrami Seyed Hajir , Nejad Nahid Hemmati , Milan Peiman Brouki
Published: June 2020

Black seed (Nigella sativa [NS]) is used in traditional medicine as an antibacterial agent. In this study, novel hybrid scaffolds were manufactured from poly(ɛ‐caprolactone[PCL])/ Poly(lactic acid [PLA]) with NS extract by double‐nozzle electrospinning for wound healing application. Optimal conditions were found using response surface methodology including feed rate 0.8 ml/hr, voltage 20 kV and PLA 8% /PCL 10% concentrations. The effect of NS extract on the properties of the scaffold was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, and mechanical test. The PLA‐PCL/NS 20% beadles, and smooth nanofibrous web was obtained as the optimum scaffold with an average diameter of 638 ± 69 nm and the contact angle of 44°. In addition, the biological properties of the scaffolds such as antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus (gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli (gram‐negative) bacteria, MTT assay, extract release, and cell growth (human mesenchymal stem cells) were examined. Incorporation of NS extract into the nanofibers caused to enhance the biological properties, cell viability and cell proliferation without toxicity.
Tailoring double‐layered fibrous mat of modified polypropylene/cotton fabric for the function of directional moisture transport
Authors: Xu Jinhao , Xin Binjie , Wang Chun , Zheng Yuansheng , Chen Chuoming , Zhou Mengjuan , Tian Xu , Du Xuanxuan
Published: June 2020

It has been widely acknowledged that the moisture (sweat) management in the textile is a crucial performance to adjust human comfort. Herein, a double‐layered fibrous mat of modified polypropylene (PP)/cotton fabric for the function of directional moisture transport was reported. The PP fibers were deposited on the surface of cotton fabric via melt‐electrospinning to form as‐prepared fibrous mat, wherein the PP mat was used as the inner layer and the cotton fabric acted as the outer layer. The as‐prepared fibrous mats were modified by means of plasma treatment and grafting hydrophilic groups for the sake of converting natural hydrophobicity of PP fibers into moderate wettability. After these treatments, sweat can be transport from the inner layer to the out layer rather than accumulating on the surface of the PP layer, while the capillary action of the cotton fabric on sweat was further enhanced. The directional moisture transport was systematically characterized by a moisture management tester and the experimental results exhibited remarkable accumulative one‐way transport index (1,103.1%), outstanding overall moisture management capacity (0.91) within 120 s and high water vapor transport rate (11.3 kg d−1 m−2). Besides, the obtained fibrous mat also provided decent wearability, showing the great application prospects in the moisture (sweat) management of textiles.
Teaching the finite element method fundamentals to undergraduate students through truss builder and truss analyzer computational tools and student‐generated assignments mini‐projects
Authors: Bishay Peter L.
Published: June 2020

The finite element method (FEM) is one of the most important numerical methods used to solve various engineering problems in many physics' domains. In this study, engineering students enrolled in “Computer‐Aided Analysis and Design” course were first introduced to FEM through a simple computer code for analyzing two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D trusses. Computational tools called “Truss Builder” and “Truss Analyzer” were provided to help modeling and analyzing large and complicated trusses. Students were then asked to generate assignments for their peers on analyzing 2D and 3D trusses that simulate real‐world structures or practical applications of their choice in two mini projects. In each mini project, each student selected a practical truss problem and, then, chose questions on this truss from a pool of questions designed to check the students' ability to navigate through the computer code, understand the results of the analysis, and investigate the effects of the various parameters on the results. Students exchanged their assignments with their peers, solved their peers' assignments, and then graded the solutions of their peers and discussed the mistakes. The proposed approach has been assessed through a comparison of exam scores with the scores of a previous cohort that was taught FEM traditionally and took the same exam. The assessment results showed that the improved performance of the students who were part of this intervention, compared to those who were not, is statistically significant. The anonymous students' written comments also supported the hypothesis that this new approach is more engaging to students compared to traditional approaches.
Experiences from turning Linux into an instructional operating system
Authors: Ramos‐Cabrer Manuel , Pazos‐Arias José Juan , López‐Nores Martín , Gil‐Solla Alberto , Blanco‐Fernández Yolanda
Published: June 2020

The curriculum proposal for degrees related to Computer Science from the two main professional associations worldwide in information and communication technologies dedicate a considerable number of hours to operating system (OS) concepts, and so do the curricula defined by most universities. Nevertheless, the practical teaching of OS at an undergraduate level is currently a controversial issue. Some universities consider that the use of a real OS implies too steep a learning curve and its complexity can prevent an appropriate learning of the main concepts. Other universities consider that the use of an educational OS or the development of a simplified one from scratch are activities too far away from the reality that students will encounter in their professional lives. This paper presents a solution adopted at the University of Vigo, that tries to get the advantages of both approaches and avoid their drawbacks. It is based on combining small lab practices to acquire theoretical concepts and a medium‐sized project to deal with the complexity of a real OS. We designed a new laboratory environment for teaching OS, which greatly facilitates the development of applications to test features both provided by Linux and developed by students, minimizing the effort required to create testing scenarios, and hiding, as far as necessary, less important OS details. We also show the results of the evaluation process carried out during the last academic years.
Health‐related quality of life in long‐term prostate cancer survivors after nerve‐sparing and non‐nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy—Results from the multiregional PROCAS study
Authors: Adam Salome , Martin‐Diener Eva , Camey Bertrand , Egger Hayoz Céline , Konzelmann Isabelle , Mohsen Mousavi Seyed , Herrmann Christian , Rohrmann Sabine , Wanner Miriam , Staehelin Katharina , Strebel Räto T. , Randazzo Marco , John Hubert , Schmid Hans‐Peter , Arndt Volker
Published: June 2020

Background

Nerve‐sparing (NS) surgery was developed to improve postoperative sexual and potentially urological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP). However, it is largely unknown how NSRP affects health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) including urinary and sexual outcomes in prostate cancer (PC) survivors 5‐10 years after diagnosis in comparison with Non‐NSRP.

Methods

The study population included 382 stage pT2‐T3N0M0 PC survivors 5‐10 years post diagnosis, who were identified from the multiregional Prostate Cancer Survivorship in Switzerland (PROCAS) study. Briefly, in 2017/2018, PC survivors were identified via six population‐based cancer registries based in both German‐ and French‐speaking Switzerland. HRQoL and PC‐specific symptom burden was assessed using the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ‐PR25 questionnaires. Differences in HRQoL outcomes between survivors treated with NSRP (uni‐ & bilateral) and Non‐NSRP were analyzed with multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, years since diagnosis, cancer stage, comorbidities at diagnosis, and further therapies, if appropriate. Multiple imputation was performed to minimize the bias due to missing data.

Results

Five to ten years after diagnosis, PC survivors treated with NSRP and Non‐NSRP reported similar symptom burden and comparable HRQoL function scores. The only significant differences were reported for sexual activity, whereas PC survivors who underwent NSRP reported statistically significant (P = .031) higher sexual activity than those on Non‐NSRP. NSRP and Non‐NSRP reported similar scores for urinary symptoms and all other HRQoL outcomes.

Conclusions

Our results support nerve‐sparing techniques as an option to improve postoperative sexual, but not urinary outcomes after RP in long‐term PC survivors.
STEMI in the cancer patient: Do not withhold primary PCI!
Authors: Grines Cindy L. , Tummala Pradyumna , Marshall J. Jeffrey
Published: June 2020

Key Points

Poor outcomes observed in cancer patients who sustain STEMI are due, in part, to advanced age, comorbidities, and underutilization of guidelines‐based therapies.

Coronary angiography in the cancer patient is more likely to demonstrate MINOCA, but the majority have critical disease and PCI success is similar to noncancer patients.

We recommend primary PCI with stenting as the default strategy in STEMI patients with cancer.
Peripheral arterial disease and transcatheter valve replacement outcomes
Authors: Krajcer Zvonimir , Postalian Alexander
Published: June 2020

Key Points

Patients with PAD have worse outcomes after TAVR.

The extent and distribution of PAD are important considerations in determining TAVR feasibility and choosing an access site.

Further research is needed to establish the best approaches to treating patients with aortic and iliofemoral disease severe enough to limit device delivery.
Lis1 co‐localizes with actin in the phagocytic cup and regulates phagocytosis
Authors: Chhatre Aditya , Sanghavi Paulomi , Mallik Roop
Published: June 2020

Phagocytosis, the ingestion of solid particles by cells is essential for nutrient uptake, innate immune response, antigen presentation and organelle homeostasis. Here we show that Lissencephaly‐1 (Lis1), a well‐known regulator of the microtubule motor dynein, co‐localizes with actin at the phagocytic cup in the early stages of phagocytosis. Both knockdown and overexpression of Lis1 perturb phagocytosis, suggesting that Lis1 levels may be regulated during particle engulfment to facilitate remodeling of actin filaments within the phagocytic cup. This requirement of Lis1 is replicated in mouse macrophage cells as well as in the amoeba Dictyostelium, indicating an evolutionarily conserved role for Lis1 in phagocytosis. In support of these findings, Dictyostelium cells overexpressing Lis1 show defects in migration possibly caused by dysregulated actin. Taken together, Lis1 localizes to the phagocytic cup and influences the actin cytoskeleton in a manner that appears important for the uptake of solid particles into cells.
Classification of breast cancer mammogram images using convolution neural network
Authors: Albalawi Umar , Manimurugan S , Varatharajan R
Published: June 2020

Medical imaging systems have broadly used in the diagnosis and identification of breast cancer. It is essential to recognize breast tumor as soon as possible. Mammography is a widely utilized method for the identification of breast cancer. The identification of cancer is trailed by the segmentation of the cancer area in an image of the mammogram. Numerous researches have been made on the diagnosing and identification of breast cancer utilizing different classification and image processing methods. In this work, we proposed the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) classifier for diagnosing breast cancer utilizing MIAS (Mammographic Image Analysis Society)‐dataset. CNN established as an efficient class of methods for image recognition problems. CNN is a deep learning system that extricates the feature of an image and utilizes those features for classification of the image. Because deep learning methods are utilized for high task objective Computer Vision, Medical Diagnosis, Image processing, and so on. Wiener filter is utilized to expel the noise and background of the image and the K‐means clustering technique was utilized for the segmentation. After segmentation, the features are extracted and classified utilizing CNN classifier. The performance of this proposed method was analyzed and compared with the conventional techniques based on accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity result parameters. From the comparison result, it is seen that the CNN classifier performed better compared with different techniques with 0.5‐4% additional accuracy and 3‐13% specificity.
Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization of Mid‐Gestation Mouse Embryos
Authors: Beverdam Annemiek
Published: June 2020

In situ hybridization is a powerful technique that allows the visualization of specific RNA species in biological samples in exquisite detail. It has been particularly well explored in the field of developmental genetics. The spatial and temporal patterns of RNA expression provide us with critical information on likely gene function during embryonic development, and often inform the decision on whether to attempt further gene manipulation approaches. Furthermore, once a mouse strain with altered gene function has been created, in situ hybridization is a critical tool for revealing how the development of embryos with the mutation differs from that of wild‐type embryos, and thus infer the function of the altered gene. Here, a well‐tested protocol used to visualize RNA expression in whole‐mount mid‐gestation mouse embryos ranging from 8.5 to 14.5 days post‐coitum (dpc) is described. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: RNA probe synthesis

Alternate Protocol: Preparation of DNA template by PCR

Basic Protocol 2: Embryo dissection

Basic Protocol 3: Whole mount in situ hybridization

Support Protocol: Generation of embryo powder
Number of deaths from untreated addiction may rival those from COVID‐19
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2020

In a far‐reaching clarion call for attention to addiction in the midst of the COVID‐19 pandemic, Pete Nielsen, CEO of the California Consortium of Addiction Professionals and Programs (CCAPP), urges policymakers to recognize that the isolation required in shelter‐in‐place will fuel even more deaths from alcohol, drugs, and suicide. In The Disease of Addiction Thrives on Isolation, released this month, Nielsen warns that these deaths were already “on track to break records in the number of victims in our state this year,” and goes on to say that those “who survive this year will face a second wave of death due to tobacco related diseases and or relapse to drug of choice unless tobacco is routinely treated in substance use disorder.”
Measuring the additive effects of predation on prey survival across spatial scales
Authors: Payton Quinn , Evans Allen F. , Hostetter Nathan J. , Roby Daniel D. , Cramer Brad , Collis Ken
Published: June 2020

The degree to which predation is an additive vs. compensatory source of mortality is fundamental to understanding the effects of predation on prey populations and evaluating the efficacy of predator management actions. In the Columbia River basin, USA, predation by Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) on U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA)‐listed juvenile salmonids (smolts;Oncorhynchusspp.) has led to predator management actions to reduce predation; however, the assumption that reduced predation translates into greater salmonid survival, either within the life stage where predation occurs or across their lifetime, has remained untested. To address this critical uncertainty, we analyzed a long‐term (2008–2018) mark–recapture–recovery data set of ESA‐listed steelhead trout (O.mykiss) that were tagged (n = 78,409) and subsequently exposed to predation during smolt out‐migration through multiple river reaches (spatial scales), jointly estimating weekly probabilities of steelhead survival, mortality due to bird predation, and mortality due to other causes. This concurrent estimation across time‐stratified cohorts allowed for the direct measurement of the strength, magnitude, and direction of relationships between survival and Caspian Tern predation. Estimates of Tern predation on steelhead were substantial in most years, with cumulative annual estimates ranging from 0.075 (95% creditable interval = 0.058–0.099) to 0.375 (0.290–0.461). Increases in Tern predation probabilities were associated with statistically significant decreases in steelhead survival probabilities in all evaluated years and salmonid life stages (smolt out‐migration and smolt‐to‐adult returns). Results provide novel evidence that predation by Caspian Terns may have been a super‐additive source of mortality during the smolt life stage and a partially additive source of mortality to the adult life stage. Annual estimates of the difference between observed survival and baseline survival (i.e., in the absence of Tern predation) ranged from 0.052 (0.017–0.103) to 0.314 (0.172–0.459) during the steelhead smolt life stage and from 0.011 (0.001–0.029) to 0.049 (0.025–0.078) to the adult life stage. The estimated levels of compensation have important implications for predator management actions aimed at increasing the survival of endangered salmonids, and the modeling approach developed herein provides a framework to directly quantify the impacts of source‐specific mortality factors on prey populations.
Phylo‐biogeographical distribution of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Insecta: Aleyrodidae) mitotypes in Ecuador
Authors: Paredes‐Montero Jorge R. , Ibarra María A. , Arias‐Zambrano Myriam , Peralta Esther L. , Brown Judith K.
Published: June 2020

The Bemisia tabaci complex in Ecuador was studied with respect to phylogenetic relationships and eco‐geographical distribution. Whitefly samples were collected from natural and agricultural environments in nine provinces of Ecuador (latitude, 2° N–5° S; longitude, 78°–81° W). Mitotypes were identified based on phylogenetic analysis of the 3′‐mtCOI‐tRNAleu region (832 bp) and corrected pairwise distance analysis. The distribution of mitotypes was modeled using MaxEnt, and their predicted niches were characterized according to environmental gradients. Four B. tabaci mitotypes were identified, of which three are endemic, herein ECU1–3, and the other is the introduced B mitotype. Mitotypes ECU1 (44%), ECU2 (0.74%), and ECU3 (1.47%) grouped in the American Tropics (AMTROP) species and diverged by as much as 10%, which was higher than previous estimates for the AMTROP clade of 7–8.6%. Although haplotypes of ECU1 and ECU2 are known from the American Tropics, this is the first report of the ECU3 mitotype, which may possibly be restricted to southern Ecuador. The distribution of the three ECU‐endemic mitotypes spanned the high‐altitude niches of the western slope of the Andes, rich in microclimates with variable temperature and humidity conditions. The non‐endemic B mitotype (47%) occurred only in the irrigated cropping systems located in hot and/or dry‐tropical ecological niches. Of the endemic mitotypes, ECU1 occupied the most ecological niches. Among variables contributing to ECU1 and B mitotype niche range assignments, the most significant to influence ecological range was rainfall. The B. tabaci endemic to Ecuador were more diverse with respect to mtCOI‐tRNAleu sequence than previously known, and occupied distinct microclimate niches suggestive of ecological resilience.
Association of preoperative duration of inotropy on prevalence of right ventricular failure following LVAD implantation
Authors: Benjamin Mina M. , Sundararajan Sakthi , Sulaiman Samian , Miles Bryan , Walker Rebekah J. , Durham Lucian , Kohmoto Takushi , Joyce David L. , Ishizawar David , Gaglianello Nunzio , Mohammed Asim
Published: June 2020

Aims

20% to 40% of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) device implantations are complicated by right ventricular (RV) failure that results in significant morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that the duration on milrinone infusion is an independent risk factor for RV failure following LVAD implantation.

Methods and results

Retrospective demographic, clinical and hemodynamic data were collected on all adults with ACC/AHA stage D heart failure on intravenous milrinone who underwent LVAD implantation between 2012 and 2019. Patients (n = 104) were divided into two groups, those on milrinone <30 days (STM, n = 55) vs. ≥30 (LTM, n = 49). The primary endpoint was the prevalence of RV failure (need for inotropic support for more than 14 days or RV assist device) within 30 days post‐LVAD implantation. There were no significant differences between STM and LTM patients with respect to demographic, echocardiographic, right heart catheterization data, or baseline medications. The mean age of patients was 55.6 ± 12 years (70% male patients). Mean duration on milrinone was 13.7 vs. 81.0 days in STM and LTM, respectively. Forty‐five (43.3%) patients developed RV failure. LTM had higher prevalence of RV failure with odds ratio (OR) = 5.04 (95% CI 2.18–11.68, P = 0.0002). After adjusting for age, gender, and co‐morbidity count, the OR was 6.33 (95% CI 2.51–15.93), P < 0.0001.

Conclusions

In this retrospective study of ACC/AHA stage D HF patients, longer duration of milrinone infusion was associated with higher prevalence of RV failure after LVAD implantation.
Promote an unexpected online experience through richer content
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: June 2020

Remote learning has been thrust into the spotlight as colleges and universities moved their traditionally face‐to‐face campus programs to online platforms in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Offer online admission receptions to connect with students, increase yield
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: June 2020

India. China. These were just a few of the destinations on the admission reception itinerary for Christopher Connor's team. Then, COVID‐19 happened. And they needed an alternative plan — fast.
A robust network measurement and feature selection strategy for software‐defined edge computing environment
Authors: Zhang Peiying , Liu Fanglin , Vashisht Sahil , Singh Mann Ravinder
Published: June 2020

With the development of Internet technology, the centralized cloud computing cannot satisfy the real‐time processing requirements of the edged terminal devices. Therefore, edge computing has emerged as a potential technology that can provide a bridge between data source and cloud computing centers. However, with the terminal devices of access network becoming more and more diversified, while providing convenience for people's life, the complicated network environment and heterogeneous network structure make the attack prediction and security defense become a new challenge in the edge computing environment. For example, (i) how to effectively measure the network parameters; (ii) how to reduce the occupied bandwidth caused by network measurement; and (iii) how to select valuable features based on measurement data. To address these problems, a topology simplification strategy based on the aggregation coefficient and the local information entropy of the network is proposed to reduce the bandwidth resource occupation caused by probe packets and the workload of network measurement. Moreover, in order to solve the problem that the data are out of date due to the long measurement period, an iterative strategy of environment‐aware measurement interval is proposed. In addition, a feature selection strategy based on hybrid filtering method and chaotic genetic algorithm is proposed for flow classification. This method is more suitable for edge computing environments. Simulation experiments show that based on the open source KDD99 data set, compared with the other three methods, the strategy has better performance in multiple indicators such as precision, F‐measure, false negative rate, and false positive rate. Unlike the previous work on classifiers, the three strategies we proposed complement each other and focus on the prework that has received less attention, which can make an important foundation for subsequent classification work.
Attentional reorientation along the meridians of the visual field: Are there different neural mechanisms at play?
Authors: Steinkamp Simon R. , Vossel Simone , Fink Gereon R. , Weidner Ralph
Published: June 2020

Hemispatial neglect, after unilateral lesions to parietal brain areas, is characterized by an inability to respond to unexpected stimuli in contralesional space. As the visual field's horizontal meridian is most severely affected, the brain networks controlling visuospatial processes might be tuned explicitly to this axis. We investigated such a potential directional tuning in the dorsal and ventral frontoparietal attention networks, with a particular focus on attentional reorientation. We used an orientation‐discrimination task where a spatial precue indicated the target position with 80% validity. Healthy participants (n = 29) performed this task in two runs and were required to (re‐)orient attention either only along the horizontal or the vertical meridian, while fMRI and behavioral measures were recorded. By using a general linear model for behavioral and fMRI data, dynamic causal modeling for effective connectivity, and other predictive approaches, we found strong statistical evidence for a reorientation effect for horizontal and vertical runs. However, neither neural nor behavioral measures differed between vertical and horizontal reorienting. Moreover, models from one run successfully predicted the cueing condition in the respective other run. Our results suggest that activations in the dorsal and ventral attention networks represent higher‐order cognitive processes related to spatial attentional (re‐)orientating that are independent of directional tuning and that unilateral attention deficits after brain damage are based on disrupted interactions between higher‐level attention networks and sensory areas.
Comparing the validity of net promoter and benchmark scoring to other commonly used employee engagement metrics
Authors: Brown Matt I.
Published: June 2020

Organizational survey data are an important part of workforce analytics for HRD researchers and practitioners. Despite the wealth of research on the business impact of employee attitudes, such as job satisfaction or engagement, there has been relatively little research to help HRD practitioners identify the optimal methods for scoring and reporting survey results. Inspired by customer satisfaction research, this study empirically examines how the use of different metrics for scoring survey responses affects the distributions of work unit engagement scores and relationships with work outcomes. Survey data were gathered from 1,242 work units in a healthcare organization. Results indicate that the choice of scoring method can meaningfully affect the distribution and validity of scores. Metrics based on extremely positive responses (top box and net promoter) were positively skewed and yielded the strongest correlations with performance. Benchmark scores were also positively skewed but did not provide any added criterion‐related validity. In contrast, mean and percent favorable scores were negatively skewed, provided less variability in scores between groups, but equally predicted unit turnover. These results indicate that using top box or net promoter scoring may yield a more normal distribution of group scores while also providing equal to greater predictive validity for performance. However, these results were only observed within a single organization. Further research is needed to determine whether these results can be replicated within different organizational contexts or when using different criterion measures including objective performance measures or patient and customer satisfaction.
Height, body mass index and prostate cancer risk and mortality by way of detection and cancer risk category
Authors: Jochems Sylvia H. J. , Stattin Pär , Häggström Christel , Järvholm Bengt , Orho‐Melander Marju , Wood Angela M. , Stocks Tanja
Published: June 2020

Obesity is a risk factor for advanced, but not localised, prostate cancer (PCa), and for poor prognosis. However, the detection of localised PCa through asymptomatic screening might influence these associations. We investigated height and body mass index (BMI) among 431 902 men in five Swedish cohorts in relation to PCa risk, according to cancer risk category and detection mode, and PCa‐specific mortality using Cox regression. Statistical tests were two‐sided. Height was positively associated with localised intermediate‐risk PCa (HR per 5 cm, 1.03, 95% CI 1.01‐1.05), while overweight and obesity were negatively associated with localised low‐ and intermediate‐risk PCa (HRs per 5 kg/m2, 0.86, 95% CI 0.81‐0.90, and 0.92, 95% CI 0.88‐0.97). However, these associations were partially driven by PCa's detected by asymptomatic screening and, for height, also by symptoms unrelated to PCa. The HR of localised PCa's, per 5 kg/m2, was 0.88, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.92 for screen‐detected PCa's and 0.96, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.01 for PCa's detected through lower urinary tract symptoms. BMI was positively associated with PCa‐specific mortality in the full population and in case‐only analysis of each PCa risk category (HRs per 5 kg/m2, 1.11‐1.22, P for heterogeneity = .14). More active health‐seeking behaviour among tall and normal‐weight men may partially explain their higher risk of localised PCa. The higher PCa‐specific mortality among obese men across all PCa risk categories in our study suggests obesity as a potential target to improve the prognosis of obese PCa patients.