bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planar and Nanostructured n‐Si/Metal‐Oxide/WO3/BiVO4 Monolithic Tandem Devices for Unassisted Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Ahmet Ibbi Y. , Berglund Sean , Chemseddine Abdelkrim , Bogdanoff Peter , Präg Raphael F. , Abdi Fatwa F. , van de Krol Roel
Published: October 2020

A series of planar and nanostructured core‐shell photoanodes composed of n‐Si/SiOx/TiO2/WO3/BiVO4 heterojunctions are fabricated by chemical deposition methods. Aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (AA‐CVD) is utilized for the large area production of planar SnO2 and TiO2 thin films and compact WO3 nanorods, with the subsequent formation of WO3/BiVO4 core‐shell nanostructures via solution deposition. Optimized monolithic dual photoanodes consisting of n‐Si/SiOx/TiO2/WO3/BiVO4/Fe(Ni)OOH and a Pt cathode as the hydrogen evolution catalyst, provide a combined photo‐voltage capable of unassisted solar water splitting with a maximum photocurrent density of 0.3 mA cm−2 in 1.0 m KBi pH 9.3 buffer solution under solar simulated AM 1.5 G illumination. An average faradaic efficiency of ≈98% is confirmed by operando differential electrochemical mass spectroscopy (DEMS) for H2 production. Solid‐state J–V measurements of the individual n‐Si/SiOx /MO (MO = WO3, BiVO4, TiO2, or SnO2) interfaces in the dark and under illumination provide valuable insights into the unfavorable electrical properties at n‐Si/SiOx/WO3 or n‐Si/SiOx/BiVO4 junctions. The insertion of metal oxide buffer layers, such as SnO2 and TiO2, can mitigate surface recombination at the junctions between n‐Si/SiOx and WO3 or BiVO4 and strongly enhances the overall photovoltage.
Waiting for a diagnosis in Rubinstein–Taybi: The journey from “ignorance is bliss” to the value of “a label”
Authors: Withers Chelsea M. , Fleming Jane , Wallingford Courtney K. , Gabbett Michael T. , Peterson Madelyn , Humphreys Linda , McInerney‐Leo Aideen
Published: October 2020

The journey to receiving a diagnosis for rare genetic disease can be long and emotionally impactful. This study describes parental experiences of receiving their child's diagnosis of Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS), a rare genetic condition characterized by growth and developmental delay together with dysmorphic features. Parents from the RTS Australia support group participated in qualitative, semi‐structured phone interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Questions focused on psychosocial challenges and benefits pre and post‐diagnosis. Ten mothers and three fathers participated, with the mean age of diagnosis being 8 months. Parents reported positive psychological effects from a slight delay in diagnosis, and negative effects from an extended diagnostic delay, suggesting the ideal time for a parent to receive a diagnosis lies in the post attachment stage, prior to the development of significant parental concerns. This stage would vary depending on condition severity. Parents desired a diagnosis to reduce uncertainty; however, uncertainty remained post diagnosis, and shifted its focus from broadly encompassing etiology and prognosis, to specifically focusing on concerns regarding severity within the spectrum. Perceived benefits of a diagnosis mainly centered on the provision of a label. Parents articulated that a label increased social acceptance, enhanced coping, promoted communication, and improved access to medical, financial, and support services. This study provides insights into the experience of families prior to and following receipt of a diagnosis. It also highlights the possibility of an optimal time window to receive a diagnosis; in which bonding is maximized and parental distress is minimized.
Unexpected awakenings in severe dementia from case reports to laboratory
Authors: Bostanciklioğlu Mehmet
Published: October 2020

Objective

Case report notions of unexpected memory retrieval in patients with severe dementia near to death are starting to alter the central “irreversible” paradigm of dementia and locate dementia as a problem of memory retrieval, not consolidation. We suggest that the most likely central tenet of this paradoxical memory retrieval is the fluctuation of neuromodulators projecting from the brain stem to the medial prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. The neuromodulation‐centric explanation of this phenomenon aims to open the “irreversible” paradigm of dementia up for discussion and suggest a plausible treatment strategy by questioning how the devastating process of death fluctuates memory performance in severe dementia.

Background

Supporting demented patients, who are mostly unresponsive, without making demands or asking a question and regarding them as valuable human beings unexpectedly improve their memory performance around the time of death.

New lucidity hypothesis

Around the time of death, neurological signs (hyper‐arousal and ‐attention) of demented people point out that neurotransmitter discharges are dramatically changed. Relatively resistant neuromodulator circuits to neurodegeneration can maintain optimal levels of arousal and attention for memory processing. In this way, unexpected episodes of lucidity can be triggered. Also, corticotropin‐releasing peptides might increase mental clarity by increasing the excitability of the neuromodulator circuits. The science of memory retrieval is more complicated and nuanced than retrieval observations in case reports, but the rapid development of new techniques holds promise for future understanding of lucidity in severe dementia.

Major challenge for the model

There is no an animal or human model to test this hypothesis; however, the similarities between neurological signs (instantaneous cognitive fluctuations) of delirium and paradoxical lucidity could provide a unique window to understand neural events of terminal lucidity on a modified animal model of delirium. Likewise, similarities between unexpected consciousness signs of terminal lucidity and lucid dreaming suggest that lucid dreaming episodes might be considered a human model for terminal lucidity research.
The SSV‐Seq 2.0 PCR‐Free Method Improves the Sequencing of Adeno‐Associated Viral Vector Genomes Containing GC‐Rich Regions and Homopolymers
Authors: Lecomte Emilie , Saleun Sylvie , Bolteau Mathieu , Guy‐Duché Aurélien , Adjali Oumeya , Blouin Véronique , Penaud‐Budloo Magalie , Ayuso Eduard
Published: October 2020

Adeno‐associated viral vectors (AAV) are efficient engineered tools for delivering genetic material into host cells. The commercialization of AAV‐based drugs must be accompanied by the development of appropriate quality control (QC) assays. Given the potential risk of co‐transfer of oncogenic or immunogenic sequences with therapeutic vectors, accurate methods to assess the level of residual DNA in AAV vector stocks are particularly important. An assay based on high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) to identify and quantify DNA species in recombinant AAV batches is developed. Here, it is shown that PCR amplification of regions that have a local GC content >90% and include successive mononucleotide stretches, such as the CAG promoter, can introduce bias during DNA library preparation, leading to drops in sequencing coverage. To circumvent this problem, SSV‐Seq 2.0, a PCR‐free protocol for sequencing AAV vector genomes containing such sequences, is developed. The PCR‐free protocol improves the evenness of the rAAV genome coverage and consequently leads to a more accurate relative quantification of residual DNA. HTS‐based assays provide a more comprehensive assessment of DNA impurities and AAV vector genome integrity than conventional QC tests based on real‐time PCR and are useful methods to improve the safety and efficacy of these viral vectors.
Fast and easy quantitative characterization of methanotroph–photoautotroph cocultures
Authors: Badr Kiumars , Whelan William , He Q. Peter , Wang Jin
Published: October 2020

Recent research has demonstrated that synthetic methanotroph–photoautotroph cocultures offer a highly promising route to convert biogas into value‐added products. However, there is a lack of techniques for fast and accurate characterization of cocultures, such as determining the individual biomass concentration of each organism in real‐time. To address this unsolved challenge, we propose an experimental–computational protocol for fast, easy, and accurate quantitative characterization of the methanotroph–photoautotroph cocultures. Besides determining the individual biomass concentration of each organism in the coculture, the protocol can also obtain the individual consumption and production rates of O2 and CO2 for the methanotroph and photoautotroph, respectively. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed protocol was demonstrated using two model coculture pairs, Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20ZR–Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 that prefers high pH high salt condition, and Methylococcus capsulatus–Chlorella sorokiniana that prefers low salt and neutral pH medium. The performance of the proposed protocol was compared with a flow cytometry‐based cell counting approach. The experimental results show that the proposed protocol is much easier to carry out and delivers faster and more accurate results in measuring individual biomass concentration than the cell counting approach without requiring any special equipment.
Undergraduate education in biochemistry and molecular biology: A parallel session at the IUBMB/PSBMB 2019 “Harnessing Interdisciplinary Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” conference
Authors: Amor Evangeline C. , Attanayake Anoja P. , G. Nicolas Marilou , Yu Gracia Fe B. , Macaulay Janet O.
Published: October 2020

Although science education, including biochemistry and molecular biology education, starts before students commence university, for many students, undergraduate programs are their first real introduction to biochemistry and molecular biology. Students often report that biochemistry and molecular biology are relatively difficult topics hence the use of varied and well‐thought‐out approaches are critical to fully engage students. This session provided insights into undergraduate curriculum design.
Evaluation of the effect of Dahuang–Mudan decoction on TNBS‐induced colitis using UPLC–QTOF/MS‐based metabolomic analysis
Authors: Nong Feifei , Luo Shuang , Liang Yuqi , Zhao Zhongxiang , Xing Shangping , Wen Bin , Zhou Lian
Published: October 2020

Dahuang–Mudan decoction (DMD) is a formula that has been widely used as a complementary treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the mechanism of action of DMD in IBD has not been clearly elucidated. Therefore, we developed a metabolomics‐based method to evaluate the effects and potential mechanisms of DMD in a 2,4,6‐trinitobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitis model. The ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/QTOF–MS) method combined with multiple analysis approaches including principal component analysis, partial least square discriminant analysis and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis were used to investigate the different urinary metabolites. We identified 29 potential biomarkers of TNBS‐induced colitis that returned to normal conditions after DMD administration. Pathway analysis indicated that changes in these metabolites were associated with cysteine and methionine metabolism, citric acid cycle, glycolysis and glycolic regeneration, pyruvate metabolism, biosynthesis of valine, leucine and isoleucine, biosynthesis of primary bile acids, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, caffeine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism. It is worth noting that DMD has potential therapeutic effects on TNBS‐induced colitis, which functions by restoring the balance of multiple disturbed pathways to a normal condition. This study suggests the reliability of metabolomics‐based approaches to identifying biomarkers and pathways, which facilitate further investigation of the potential mechanisms of DMD.
Clinical outcomes of non‐osteogenic, non‐Ewing soft‐tissue sarcoma of bone––experience of the Toronto Sarcoma Program
Authors: Veitch Zachary W. , Fasih Samir , Griffin Anthony M. , Al‐Ezzi Esmail M. , Gupta Abha A. , Ferguson Peter C. , Wunder Jay S. , Abdul Razak Albiruni R.
Published: October 2020

Non‐osteogenic, non‐Ewing soft‐tissue sarcoma (NONE‐STS) of bone is a rare presentation of primary bone cancers. Optimal treatments and outcomes for this heterogenous group are poorly described. We evaluated the factors associated with long‐term outcomes in patients with this disease. Patients with localized NONE‐STS of bone treated at the Toronto Sarcoma Program from 1987 to 2017 were identified. Clinical characteristics, treatment, and survival information were collected. Kaplan‐Meier (log‐rank) survival estimates from the time of definitive surgery, with uni‐/multivariate analyses (Cox) of sarcoma‐specific survival were performed. A total of 106 patients (60.4% male; median age 46 years) with NONE‐STS of bone were identified. Common histologies included undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma [UPS]/malignant fibrous histiocytoma [MFH] (UPS/MFH, 41.5%), leiomyosarcoma (LMS, 20.8%), and fibrosarcoma (FS, 11.3%). Tumors were often high grade (59.4%) and involved the extremities (88.7%), with most receiving chemotherapy (67.9%) with cisplatin/doxorubicin‐based regimens (73.6%). In the full cohort, 10‐year DFS (45.7%, [95%CI: 35.7‐55.8%]), OS (53.4%, [95%CI: 41.7‐62.2%]), and SSS (63.9%, [95%CI: 53.9‐72.5%]) were moderate. Histology specific, 10‐year SSS was 70.7% [95%CI: 56.1‐85.5%] for UPS/MFH, 51.8% [95%CI: 29.8‐73.8%] for LMS, and 72.2% [95%CI: 45.1‐99.2%] for FS. Only UPS/MFH (n = 4) showed sarcoma‐related death >10 years. Multivariate analysis identified axial location (HR = 35.5, [95%CI: 3.4‐369.6]), high grade (HR = 16.9, [95%CI: 1.6‐185.1]), and disease relapse (HR = 485.1, [95%CI: 36.3‐6482.6]) as risk factors for death (p < 0.05). Treatment with chemotherapy (HR = 0.1, [95%CI: 0.01‐0.86]) and necrosis ≥85% (HR = 0.2, [95%CI: 0.04‐0.99]) showed improved survival (p < 0.05). NONE‐STS of bone has favorable long‐term survival similar to osteosarcoma. Patients receiving chemotherapy derive benefit in retrospective analyses. UPS/MFH histologies show sarcoma‐related death beyond 10 years. Further data on histologic subgroups are needed.
Endodontic management of a tooth with apical overfilling and perforating external root resorption: A case report
Authors: Sayyad Soufdoost Reza , Jamali Ghomi Ali , Labbaf Hossein
Published: October 2020

Successful non‐surgical orthograde retreatment of a tooth with

external root resorption in apical third of root and overfilling material

beyond the apical barrier which was diagnosed with the help of cone beam

computed tomography (CBCT), was reported. Biodentine was used as the treatment

of choice for obturation of resorption area.
Operating Performance Assessment for Transition State of Industrial Processes
Authors: Li Ling , Wang Yalin , Sun Bei , Qian Yingcan
Published: October 2020

Traditional operating performance assessment approaches mainly focus on the steady state. However, the assessment indicators designed for the steady state cannot be directly applied to the transition state. Moreover, identifying the process state for a multivariable system is difficult and time‐consuming. An operating performance assessment method for the transition state is developed. In the proposed framework, a transition state detection method is first proposed to detect the transition state from the data automatically and accurately. Then, a systematic set of several special indicators is developed based on the characteristic of the transition state. The effectiveness of the developed method is demonstrated with a case study of an industrial hydrocracking process.
An Exonuclease V–qPCR Assay to Analyze the State of the Human Papillomavirus 16 Genome in Cell Lines and Tissues
Authors: Myers Julia E. , Zwolinska Katarzyna , Sapp Martin J. , Scott Rona S.
Published: October 2020

Integration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) genome into host cell chromosomes has been observed in a majority of HPV‐positive cervical cancers and a subset of oral HPV‐associated cancers. HPV integration also occurs in long‐term cell culture. Screening for HPV integration can be labor intensive and yield results that are difficult to interpret. Here we describe an assay based on exonuclease V (ExoV/RecBCD) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to determine if samples from cell lines and tissues contain episomal or integrated HPV. This assay can be applied to screen other small DNA viruses with episomal/linear genome configurations in their viral lifecycle and has the potential to be used in clinical settings to define viral genomic conformations associated with disease. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Exonuclease V genomic DNA digestion and qPCR for detection of HPV16 genome configuration in cells

Support Protocol: Exonuclease V analysis of HPV16 genome configuration in tissues

Alternate Protocol: Determining HPV integration type or integrity of HPV episome
Randomized Controlled Trials Versus Real World Evidence: Neither Magic Nor Myth
Authors: Eichler Hans‐Georg , Pignatti Francesco , Schwarzer‐Daum Brigitte , Hidalgo‐Simon Ana , Eichler Irmgard , Arlett Peter , Humphreys Anthony , Vamvakas Spiros , Brun Nikolai , Rasi Guido
Published: October 2020

Compared with drugs from the blockbuster era, recently authorized drugs and those expected in the future present a heterogenous mix of chemicals, biologicals, and cell and gene therapies, a sizable fraction being for rare diseases, and even individualized treatments or individualized combinations. The shift in the nature of products entails secular trends for the definitions of “drugs” and “target population” and for clinical use and evidence generation. We discuss that the lessons learned from evidence generation for 20th century medicines may have limited relevance for 21st century medicines. We explain why the future is not about randomized controlled trials (RCTs) vs. real‐world evidence (RWE) but RCTs and RWE—not just for the assessment of safety but also of effectiveness. Finally, we highlight that, in the era of precision medicine, we may not be able to reliably describe some small treatment effects—either by way of RCTs or RWE.
Call to action to entertainment industry over 13 Reasons Why
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2020

The research is in and has been for some time: The first season of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, which dramatizes a book of the same name in which a girl who committed suicide leaves a tape giving the 13 reasons why she did, led to copycat suicides. Among its most obvious and predictable and completely wrong messages is the one that people can leave a history after they commit suicide, getting retribution and at the same time justifying their act. Once you are dead, there is no retribution; you have lost your life and future, your loved ones have lost you, and then they mourn and eventually recover. But this false message romanticizing suicide, and suggesting that suicide will “teach them a lesson” — is promoted in the book and the Netflix show. And tragically, the message got through; suicides went up.
Describing childhood ACEs found to reduce stigma related to substance use
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2020

When people with substance use disorders (SUDs) are portrayed as having a background with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), they are less likely to be regarded with stigmatizing attitudes, a recent randomized controlled trial conducted in the United Kingdom has found.
Inverse correlation between serum complement component C1q levels and whole blood type‐1 interferon signature in active tuberculosis and QuantiFERON‐positive uveitis: implications for diagnosis
Authors: Schrijver Benjamin , Dijkstra Douwe J , Borggreven Nicole V , La Distia Nora Rina , Huijser Erika , Versnel Marjan A , van Hagen P Martin , Joosten Simone A , Trouw Leendert A , Dik Willem A
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To examine the relation between serum C1q levels and blood type‐1 interferon signature (type‐1 IFN signature) in active pulmonary tuberculosis (APTB) and to determine whether combined measurement of serum C1q and type‐1 IFN signature may add to the diagnosis of QuantiFERON‐positive (QFT+) patients with uveitis of unknown cause.

Methods

C1q was determined (ELISA) in serum from two distinct Indonesian cohorts, and in total, APTB (n = 72), QFT+ uveitis of unknown aetiology (n = 58), QFT− uveitis (n = 51) patients and healthy controls (HC; n = 73) were included. The type‐1 IFN signature scores were previously determined.

Results

Serum C1q was higher in APTB than HC (P < 0.001). APTB patients with uveitis had higher serum C1q than APTB patients without uveitis (P = 0.0207). Serum C1q correlated inversely with type‐1 IFN signature scores in APTB (P = 0.0036, r2 = 0.3526), revealing that these biomarkers for active TB disease can be mutually exclusive. Stratification of QFT+ patients with uveitis of unknown cause, by serum C1q and type‐1 IFN signature, yielded four groups with different likelihood of suffering from active TB uveitis.

Conclusion

Serum C1q is elevated in APTB, especially in those cases with uveitis. We propose that combined measurement of blood type‐1 IFN signature and serum C1q may provide added value in the diagnosis of active TB disease. Combined measurement of type‐1 IFN signature and serum C1q in QFT+ patients without signs of active TB disease, but suffering from uveitis of unknown cause, may be of help to identify cases with low or high likelihood of having active TB uveitis, which may facilitate clinical management decisions.
Ten strategies for a successful transition to remote learning: Lessons learned with a flipped course
Authors: Garcia‐Vedrenne Ana E. , Orland Chloé , Ballare Kimberly M. , Shapiro Beth , Wayne Robert K.
Published: October 2020

Transitioning from in‐person to remote learning can present challenges for both the instructional team and the students. Here, we use our course “Biodiversity in the Age of Humans” to describe how we adapted tools and strategies designed for a flipped classroom to a remote learning format. Using anonymous survey data collected from students who attended the course either in‐person (2019) or remotely (2020), we quantify student expectations and experiences and compare these between years. We summarize our experience and provide ten “tips” or recommendations for a transition to remote learning, which we divide into three categories: (a) precourse instructor preparation; (b) outside of class use of online materials; and (c) during class student engagement. The survey results indicated no negative impact on student learning during the remote course compared to in‐person instruction. We found that communicating with students and assessing specific needs, such as access to technology, and being flexible with the structure of the course, simplified the transition to remote instruction. We also found that short, pre‐recorded videos that introduce subject materials were among the most valuable elements for student learning. We hope that instructors of undergraduate ecology and evolution courses can use these recommendations to help establish inclusive online learning communities that empower students to acquire conceptual knowledge and develop scientific inquiry and literacy skills.
What do you mean “functional” in ecology? Patterns versus processes
Authors: Volaire Florence , Gleason Sean M. , Delzon Sylvain
Published: October 2020

Use of the term “functional" trait has increased exponentially in ecology. Although accounting for numerous ecological questions, this concept raises several issues. We propose that the term “functional” could be misleading because (1) no rigorous criteria exist to identify “functional” traits and (2) it suggests that only some traits (“functional” ones) can inform our understanding of species functioning, whatever the scale or discipline. Hence, the concept of "functional" trait in ecology is starting to be challenged and it remains unclear why some traits should be considered functional, whereas other traits should not.

We argue that the most used “functional” traits are meaningful because they reflect important differences between populations or species, based on synchronic comparisons, that is, irrespective of time (hereafter “pattern” traits). Hence, they are useful for identifying trade‐offs and strategies across large numbers of observations, usually at rather coarse scales, and are most often used in analyses of “big data.” However, given that many ecological processes occur across short time scales and narrow gradients of climate and resource availability, the efficacy of these traits to inform us about these ecological processes appears questionable. We show that trait measurements that take time explicitly into account (hereafter “process” traits) differ from pattern traits because they quantify the flows of material and energy within a given environment across a defined period of time. Although pattern traits and process traits are both functional, it is important to understand the differences between the approaches. Moreover, better accounting of ontogeny, life form, plasticity, and genetic variability is required to enhance the convergence between pattern and process approaches. This revised framework allows more explicit connections between trait ecology and other biological sciences. It should enhance the study of processes at all scales in order to investigate efficiently the adaptive responses of biological organisms to climate change.
Contrasting vulnerability of monospecific and species‐diverse forests to wind and bark beetle disturbance: The role of management
Authors: Dobor Laura , Hlásny Tomáš , Zimová Soňa
Published: October 2020

Wind and bark beetle disturbances have increased in recent decades, affecting Europe's coniferous forests with particular severity. Management fostering forest diversity and resilience is deemed to effectively mitigate disturbance impacts, yet its efficiency and interaction with other disturbance management measures remain unclear.

We focused on Central Europe, which has become one of the hotspots of recent disturbance changes. We used the iLand ecosystem model to understand the interplay between species composition of the forest, forest disturbance dynamics affected by climate change, and disturbance management. The tested measures included (a) active transformation of tree species composition toward site‐matching species; (b) intensive removal of windfelled trees, which can support the buildup of bark beetle populations; and (c) reduction of mature and vulnerable trees on the landscape via modified harvesting regimes.

We found that management systems aiming to sustain the dominance of Norway spruce in the forest are failing under climate change, and none of the measures applied could mitigate the disturbance impacts. Conversely, management systems fostering forest diversity substantially reduced the level of disturbance. Significant disturbance reduction has been achieved even without salvaging and rotation length reduction, which is beneficial for ecosystem recovery, carbon, and biodiversity.

Synthesis and applications: We conclude that climate change amplifies the contrast in vulnerability of monospecific and species‐diverse forests to wind and bark beetle disturbance. Whereas forests dominated by Norway spruce are not likely to be sustained in Central Europe under climate change, different management strategies can be applied in species‐diverse forests to reach the desired control over the disturbance dynamic. Our findings justify some unrealistic expectations about the options to control disturbance dynamics under climate change and highlight the importance of management that fosters forest diversity.
On the importance of predictor choice, modelling technique, and number of pseudo‐absences for bioclimatic envelope model performance
Authors: Čengić Mirza , Rost Jasmijn , Remenska Daniela , Janse Jan H. , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Schipper Aafke M.
Published: October 2020

Bioclimatic envelope models are commonly used to assess the influence of climate change on species' distributions and biodiversity patterns. Understanding how methodological choices influence these models is critical for a comprehensive evaluation of the estimated impacts. Here we systematically assess the performance of bioclimatic envelope models in relation to the selection of predictors, modeling technique, and pseudo‐absences. We considered (a) five different predictor sets, (b) seven commonly used modeling techniques and an ensemble model, and (c) three sets of pseudo‐absences (1,000 pseudo‐absences, 10,000 pseudo‐absences, and the same as the number of presences). For each combination of predictor set, modeling technique, and pseudo‐absence set, we fitted bioclimatic envelope models for 300 species of mammals, amphibians, and freshwater fish, and evaluated the predictive performance of the models using the true skill statistic (TSS), based on a spatially independent test set as well as cross‐validation. On average across the species, model performance was mostly influenced by the choice of predictor set, followed by the choice of modeling technique. The number of the pseudo‐absences did not have a strong effect on the model performance. Based on spatially independent testing, ensemble models based on species‐specific nonredundant predictor sets revealed the highest predictive performance. In contrast, the Random Forest technique yielded the highest model performance in cross‐validation but had the largest decrease in model performance when transferred to a different spatial context, thus highlighting the need for spatially independent model evaluation. We recommend building bioclimatic envelope models according to an ensemble modeling approach based on a nonredundant set of bioclimatic predictors, preferably selected for each modeled species.
Long‐term nutrient enrichment, mowing, and ditch drainage interact in the dynamics of a wetland plant community
Authors: Goodwillie Carol , McCoy Michael W. , Peralta Ariane L.
Published: October 2020

Fertilization studies have elucidated basic principles of the role of nutrients in shaping plant communities and demonstrated the potential effects of anthropogenic nutrient deposition. Yet less is known about how these effects are mediated by interacting ecological factors, particularly in nutrient‐poor wetland habitats. In a long‐term experiment in a coastal plain wetland, we examined how fertilization and mowing affected the diversity and composition of a plant community as it reestablished after major disturbance. A drainage ditch in proximity to the experimental plots allowed us also to consider the influence of hydrology and its interactions with nutrient addition. Fertilization decreased species richness, with wetland specialist species showing especially great losses, and several lines of evidence suggest that the effect was mediated by competition for light. Altered hydrology via ditch drainage had effects that were similar to fertilization, with more rapidly draining plots showing lower diversity and decreased abundance of wetland species. Plant community diversity and dynamics were influenced by complex interactions between fertilization, disturbance, and hydrology. The negative effect of fertilization on species richness was initially mitigated by mowing, but in later years was more evident in mowed than in unmowed plots. In the absence of disturbance, nutrient addition increased the rate of transition to primarily woody communities. Similarly, drained plots experienced increased rates of succession compared to wetter plots. Our results suggest that these interactions need to be considered to understand the potential effects of anthropogenic nutrient addition and hydrologic alterations to wetland ecosystems.
Influence of decompensated heart failure on cardiac acoustic biomarkers: impact on early readmissions
Authors: Erath Julia W. , Wanczura Piotr , Wranicz Jerzy , Linke Axel , Rohrer Ursula , Scherr Daniel
Published: October 2020

Aims

Preventing hospitalization by detecting early evidence of heart failure (HF) decompensation in an outpatient setting can improve patient's quality of life and reduce costs of care. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of cardiac acoustic biomarkers (CABs), a combination of cardiohaemic vibrations synchronized with ECG signals, and heart rate (HR) for detecting HF decompensation during first 3 months after hospital discharge for HF.

Methods and results

Patients with an ejection fraction ≤35% (HFrEF) and hospitalized for decompensated HF were enrolled in a prospective observational study. All subjects wore a wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ZOLL LifeVest®, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) that is capable of recording CABs and HR. The primary endpoint of the study was the first HF event, defined as HF readmission or HF emergency room visit. From June 2017 through August 2019, 671 patients with HFrEF were enrolled. Eighty‐one patients (12.1%) had a total of 112 HF events. The algorithm detected HF events with a median of 32 days (interquartile range = 11‐45) in advance of the first HF event. The algorithm had a sensitivity of 69%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 19%, and a negative predictive value of 94%. Of note, the baseline (first 7 days post‐enrolment) algorithm using CABs and HR was superior to New York Heart Association classification in detecting patients more likely to have HF decompensation (sensitivity and specificity of 61% and 68% vs. 46% and 55%, respectively).

Conclusions

This prospective international registry showed that an algorithm incorporating CABs and HR data detected HF events 30 days in advance of the event in patients with HFrEF during first 3 months after hospital discharge. Therefore, integrating CAB technology into clinical practice may prevent HF rehospitalizations.
‘Nur'turing tumor T cell tolerance and exhaustion: novel function for Nuclear Receptor Nur77 in immunity
Authors: Lith Sanne C. , van Os Bram W. , Seijkens Tom T.P. , de Vries Carlie J.M.
Published: October 2020

The nuclear receptor Nur77 is expressed in a multitude of tissues, regulating cell differentiation and homeostasis. Dysregulation of Nur77 signaling is associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, and disorders of the CNS. The role of Nur77 in T cells has been studied for almost 30 years now. There is a clear appreciation that Nur77 is crucial for apoptosis of self‐reactive T cells. However, the regulation and function of Nur77 in mature T cells remains largely unclear. In an exciting development, Nur77 has been recently demonstrated to impinge on cancer immunotherapy involving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). These studies indicated that Nur77 deficiency reduced T cell tolerance and exhaustion, thus raising the effectiveness of immune therapy in mice. Based on these novel insights, it may be proposed that regulation of Nur77 activity holds promise for innovative drug development in the field of cellular immunotherapy in cancer. In this review, we therefore summarize the role of Nur77 in T cell selection and maturation; and further develop the idea of targeting its activity in these cells as a potential strategy to augment current cancer immunotherapy treatments.
Polymorphisms of the μ‐opioid receptor gene influence cerebral pain processing in fibromyalgia
Authors: Ellerbrock Isabel , Sandström Angelica , Tour Jeanette , Kadetoff Diana , Schalling Martin , Jensen Karin B. , Kosek Eva
Published: October 2020

Background

Dysregulation of the μ‐opioid receptor has been reported in fibromyalgia (FM) and was linked to pain severity. Here, we investigated the effect of the functional genetic polymorphism of the μ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) (rs1799971) on symptom severity, pain sensitivity and cerebral pain processing in FM subjects and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Symptom severity and pressure pain sensitivity was assessed in FM subjects (n = 70) and HC (n = 35). Cerebral pain‐related activation was assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging during individually calibrated painful pressure stimuli.

Results

Fibromyalgia subjects were more pain sensitive but no significant differences in pain sensitivity or pain ratings were observed between OPRM1 genotypes. A significant difference was found in cerebral pain processing, with carriers of at least one G‐allele showing increased activation in posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) extending to precentral gyrus, compared to AA homozygotes. This effect was significant in FM subjects but not in healthy participants, however, between‐group comparisons did not yield significant results. Seed‐based functional connectivity analysis was performed with the seed based on differences in PCC/precentral gyrus activation between OPRM1 genotypes during evoked pain across groups. G‐allele carriers displayed decreased functional connectivity between PCC/precentral gyrus and prefrontal cortex.

Conclusions

G‐allele carriers showed increased activation in PCC/precentral gyrus but decreased functional connectivity with the frontal control network during pressure stimulation, suggesting different pain modulatory processes between OPRM1 genotypes involving altered fronto‐parietal network involvement. Furthermore, our results suggest that the overall effects of the OPRM1 G‐allele may be driven by FM subjects.

Significance

We show that the functional polymorphism of the μ‐opioid receptor gene OPRM1 was associated with alterations in the fronto‐parietal network as well as with increased activation of posterior cingulum during evoked pain in FM. Thus, the OPRM1 polymorphism affects cerebral processing in brain regions implicated in salience, attention, and the default mode network. This finding is discussed in the light of pain and the opioid system, providing further evidence for a functional role of OPRM1 in cerebral pain processing.
FogWise: On the limits of the coexistence of heterogeneous applications on Fog computing and Internet of Vehicles
Authors: de Mendonça Junior Francisco Ferreira , Lopes Dias Kelvin , d'Orey Pedro M. , Kokkinogenis Zafeiris
Published: October 2020

Mobile devices, Internet of Things applications, and connected vehicles in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) are proliferating. Recently, vehicles have emerged as a possibility to become communication and processing infrastructures called vehicular Fog computing (VFC). Thus, science and industry forecast increasing demand for communication and cloud infrastructures to deal with data traffic, processing, and storage. Still, they do not evaluate that properly. This work investigates how heterogeneity affects the ability of IoV and VFC to meet application requirements. We leverage Fog computing, which extends Edge and Cloud computing and complements them, especially to meet str applications with strict latency requirements. We built a simulation model that evaluates how vehicles behave in such an environment. We argue that vehicles need to follow request‐processing‐response‐actuation programming model based on distributed auction protocol to match clients and servers and still meet latency requirements. We extend and propose requirements that both applications and architectures should meet. Preliminary results indicate thresholds in terms of vehicle density, request rate, request size, client‐server ratio, and auction method in which VFC can operate to meet application requirements under mobility.
The effect of redox agents on conformation and structure characterization of gluten protein: An extensive review
Authors: Abedi Elahe , Pourmohammadi Kiana
Published: October 2020

Gluten protein as one of the plant resources is affected by redox agent. Chemical modifications by redox agent have myriad advantages mainly short reaction times, no requirement for specialized equipment, low cost, and highly clear modification impacts. The gluten network properties could be influenced through redox agents (oxidative and reducing agents) which are able to alter the strength of dough via different mechanisms for various purposes. The present review examined the impact of different redox compounds on gluten and its subunits based on their effects on their bonds and conformations and thus with their impacts on the physico‐chemical, morphological, and rheological properties of gluten and their subunits. This allows for the use of gluten for different of purposes in the food and nonfood industry.
Instrument development of health providers' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hospice Care Scale in China
Authors: Shu Zhiqun , Wang Yiting , Li Tiantian , Jing Limei , Sun Xiaoming
Published: October 2020

Objective

To match the reform of hospice development in China, this study aimed to construct an indigenized health providers' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hospice Care (KAPHC) Scale in China with good validity and reliability.

Methods

We used three steps to develop the scale, establishing items‐pool firstly based on literature review and expert consultation, followed by forming a draft‐scale design through synthetically consideration, and finally modifying the draft by conducting a self‐administrative survey in sampled institution and testing the reliability and validity by statistical analysis.

Results

The KAPHC Scale was comprised of 15 knowledge items, 24 attitude items and 22 practice items. In the part of knowledge, the Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.686, the average difficulty was 0.62 and average discrimination was 0.46. The attitude items were divided into four domains (KMO = 0.770), with Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.868. The practice items included confidence of practices and self‐reported behaviors (KMO = 0.732), with Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.958.

Conclusion

The KAPHC Scale demonstrated good validity and reliability. As an effective tool, the scale may contribute to assessing health providers' KAP status of hospice care and exploring their future education needs in mainland China.
Fiscal decentralization and convergence in government spending in Malaysia
Authors: Yusof Yusniliyana , Kalirajan Kaliappa , Mohamad Azhar
Published: October 2020

In this study, we highlight the influence of the federal system on the development expenditure of the states, which is crucial for socio‐economic development. First, we examine whether there is a convergence in development expenditure across Malaysian states. Second, we investigate the importance of decentralization in affecting the pattern of development expenditure in the short‐term and in the long‐term. The convergence analysis utilizes annual growth data from 2000 through 2015 for the short‐term and the averages of 3‐ and 5‐year growth for the long‐term. In this study, we employ the panel data approaches of pooled OLS, fixed effects and random effects estimation procedures. The findings provide empirical evidence of the convergence of development expenditure across the states in Malaysia in both the short‐term and the long‐term. Generally, all fiscal decentralization indicators (state per capita revenue, state own‐source per capita revenue, state own‐source revenue as a share of total revenue and inter‐state fiscal capacity) are imperative in influencing the fiscal behaviour of state governments in Malaysia. These indicators, as well as assistance from the federal government in the form of transfer payment, are very much needed to strengthen the expenditure capacity of the Malaysian states.
Fecal occult blood and urinary cytology tests for rapid screening of inflammatory infection in the gastrointestinal and urological systems in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Du Li , Cao Xiaoling , Chen Jing , Wei Xiuqi , Zeng Yi , Cheng Chen , Lin Yuqi , Tan Wenbin , Wang Hui
Published: October 2020

Background

Gastrointestinal infections (GI) and urological infections (UI) have not been fully addressed in COVID‐19 patients. We aimed to evaluate the values of routine fecal occult blood (FOB) test and urinary cytology test (UCT) for screening of GI and UI in COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, COVID‐19 patients without associated comorbidities were divided into FOB‐ or UCT‐positive or FOB‐ or UCT‐negative groups. Their clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were then compared.

Results

A total of 13.6% of patients (47 of 345) tested positive for FOB, and 57.4% (27 of 47) of these patients lacked gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 30.1% of patients (104 of 345) exhibited gastrointestinal symptoms, and 38.0% (131 of 345) were positive for either FOB or gastrointestinal symptoms. FOB‐positive patients possessed significantly higher levels of C‐reactive protein and fewer lymphocytes than FOB‐negative patients. A total of 36.9% of patients (80 of 217) exhibited positive UCT, and 97.5% (78 of 80) of these patients possessed normal levels of serum markers for renal injuries. Significant differences in age and sex ratios were observed between the UCT‐positive and UCT‐negative groups, and 72.4% (42 of 58) of female patients over 60 years old were UCT‐positive.

Conclusions

Fecal occult blood test in combination with gastrointestinal symptoms could serve as a simple and useful screening approach for GI diagnoses for COVID‐19. Age and sex are risk factors for UI in COVID‐19 patients. UCT could be a sensitive tool for assessing early UI at a stage in which serum markers for renal injuries appear normal.
A meta‐analysis of sleep and work performance: An examination of moderators and mediators
Authors: Henderson Alexandra A. , Horan Kristin A.
Published: October 2020

The present study utilizes meta‐analytic techniques to examine the literature on sleep and work performance. In line with previous meta‐analytic research, results indicate that sleep and work performance have a positive relationship. However, more importantly, results from moderator analyses reveal that the type of sleep measurement (sleep quantity and sleep quality), work performance measurement (task performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and counterproductive work behavior), analysis method (between‐person and within‐person), sleep report source (self‐report, other report, and objective), sleep recall window (day, week/month, and more than 1 month), and study setting (field and laboratory) differentially influence the strength of the sleep–work performance relationship. Furthermore, meta‐analytic SEM results indicate that certain mediators (affect, job attitudes, and cognitive resources) provide stronger explanations (i.e., stronger indirect effects) for the relationship between sleep and work performance, depending on the specific type of performance being examined. In general, results highlight the importance of construct operationalization and methodology decisions when conducting sleep–work performance research and provide greater insight into explanations for the relationship between sleep and work performance. Research implications, practical implications, potential limitations, and future directions are also discussed.