bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal vegetation and management influence overland flow velocity and roughness in upland grasslands
Authors: Bond Stephanie , Kirkby Mike J. , Johnston Jean , Crowle Alistair , Holden Joseph
Published: June 2020

There is considerable interest in how headwater management may influence downstream flood peaks in temperate humid regions. However, there is a dearth of data on flow velocities across headwater hillslopes and limited understanding of whether surface flow velocity is influenced by seasonal changes in roughness through vegetation cycles or management. A portable hillslope flume was used to investigate overland flow velocities for four common headwater grassland habitats in northern England: Low‐density Grazing, Hay Meadow, Rank Grassland and Juncus effusus Rush pasture. Overland flow velocity was measured in replicate plots for each habitat, in response to three applied flow rates, with the experiments repeated during five different periods of the annual grassland cycle. Mean annual overland flow velocity was significantly lower for the Rank Grassland habitat (0.026 m/s) followed by Low‐density Grazing and Rushes (0.032 and 0.029 m/s), then Hay Meadows (0.041 m/s), which had the greatest mean annual velocity (examples from 12 L/min flow rate). Applying our mean overland flow velocities to a theoretical 100 m hillslope suggests overland flow is delayed by >1 hr on Rank Grassland when compared to Hay Meadows in an 18 mm storm. Thus grassland management is important for slowing overland flow and delaying peak flows across upland headwaters. Surface roughness was also strongly controlled by annual cycles of vegetation growth, decay, grazing and cutting. Winter overland flow velocities were significantly higher than in summer, varying between 0.004 m/s (Rushes, November) and 0.034 m/s (Rushes, June); and velocities significantly increased after cutting varying between 0.006 m/s (Hay meadows, July) and 0.054 m/s (Hay meadows, September). These results show that seasonal vegetation change should be incorporated into flood modelling, as cycles of surface roughness in grasslands strongly modify overland flow, potentially having a large impact on downstream flood peak and timing. Our data also showed that Darcy‐Weisbach roughness approximations greatly over‐estimated measured flow velocities.
Accelerated continental‐scale snowmelt and ecohydrological impacts in the four largest Siberian river basins in response to spring warming
Authors: Suzuki Kazuyoshi , Hiyama Tetsuya , Matsuo Koji , Ichii Kazuhito , Iijima Yoshihiro , Yamazaki Dai
Published: June 2020

River runoff from the four largest Siberian river basins (the Ob, Yenisei, Lena, and Kolyma) considerably contributes to freshwater flux into the Arctic Ocean from the Eurasian continent. However, the effects of variation in snow cover fraction on the ecohydrological variations in these basins are not well understood. In this study, we analysed the spatiotemporal variability of the maximum snow cover fraction (SCFmax) in the four Siberian river basins. We compared the SCFmaxfrom 2000 to 2016 with data in terms of monthly temperature and precipitation, night‐time surface temperatures, the terrestrial water storage anomaly (TWSA), the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), and river runoff. Our results exhibit a decreasing trend in the April SCFmaxvalues since 2000, largely in response to warming air temperatures in April. We identified snowmelt water as the dominant control on the observed increase in the runoff contribution in May across all four Siberian river basins. In addition, we detected that the interannual river runoff was predominantly controlled by interannual variations in the TWSA. The NDVI in June was strongly controlled by the timing of the snowmelt along with the surface air temperature and TWSA in June. The rate of increase in the freshwater flux from the four Siberian rivers decreased from 2000 to 2016, exhibiting large interannual variations corresponding to interannual variations in the TWSA. However, we identified a clear increase trend in the freshwater flux of ~4 km3/year when analysing the long‐term 39‐year historical record (1978–2016). Our results suggest that continued global warming will accelerate the transition towards the earlier timing of snowmelt and spring freshwater flux into the Arctic Ocean. Our findings also highlight the effects of earlier snowmelt on ecohydrological changes in the Northern Hemisphere.
Effect of Saponin from Tupistra chinensis Baker on proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway
Authors: Ji Xiaoli , Yang Chengcheng , Xie Jia , Yin Xiaolan , Hu Quan
Published: June 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism and the effect of Saponin from Tupistra chinensis Baker (STCB) on the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. To investigate the inhibitory effect of STCB on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, SKOV3 cells were cultured and the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was used. Flow cytometry was also used to analyze the cell cycle distribution and apoptotic rate. Ki‐67, cyclin D1, cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved caspase‐9, β‐catenin, and c‐Myc protein expressions were detected by western blot. Ovarian cancer cells were treated with STCB and Wnt pathway activator lithium chloride (LiCl). These methods were also used to determine the proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. In STCB‐treated group, the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis rate, the proportion of G0‐G1 phase, and the expression level of cleaved caspase‐3 and 9 of ovarian cancer cells were significantly increased. Similarly, the expression of Ki‐67, cyclin D1, β‐catenin, and c‐Myc were significantly decreased (p < .05). The results also showed that in STCB‐LiCl‐treated group, while the proliferation inhibition rate of ovarian cancer cells, the proportion of G0‐G1 cells, the expression level of cleaved caspase‐3 and 9, and the apoptosis rate (p < .05) were significantly decreased, the expression level of Ki‐67, cyclin D1, β‐catenin, and c‐Myc was significantly increased. STCB induced G0‐G1 phase arrest, inhibited cell proliferation, and promoted apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Promoting the development of verbal responses using instructive feedback
Authors: Frampton Sarah E. , Shillingsburg M. Alice
Published: June 2020

Shillingsburg, Frampton, Cleveland, and Cariveau (2018) taught listener and tact by feature, name–feature intraverbal, and feature–name intraverbal responses across sets and reported emergence of responses that were not directly trained for 6 individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study was a systematic replication with the addition of instructive feedback (IF) with 2 children diagnosed with ASD. During trials for previously mastered listener by name responses (e.g., “Point to Tennessee” and child selects a picture of Tennessee), the experimenters provided related IF (e.g., “The capital of this state is Nashville”). After 3 sessions, we evaluated the effects of IF on related verbal responses (e.g., listener by feature, tact by feature, name–feature intraverbal, and feature–name intraverbal) across sets probes. We observed increased correct responses for related verbal responses; replicating Shillingsburg et al. Results suggest that the inclusion of IF may increase the efficiency of verbal behavior programming.
An evaluation of parents as behavior change agents in the Preschool Life Skills program
Authors: Gunning Ciara , Holloway Jennifer , Grealish Leanne
Published: June 2020

Parental involvement in intervention can support intervention efficacy, improve generalization, and increase accessibility. The Preschool Life Skills (PLS) program is designed to teach 13 preschool life skills and prevent problem behavior. The current study explores the utility of the PLS program as delivered by parents. In Experiment 1, 6 parents were taught to use the PLS program at home with their typically developing children (3 years 3 months to 4 years 11 months). This application of the PLS program led to an increase in preschool life skills and a decrease in problem behavior and supported some generalization of the target preschool life skills from the home to preschool settings. In Experiment 2, 7 parents were taught to use the PLS program with their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; 3 years 11 months to 6 years 9 months). Results overall supported the parent implementation of the program and highlighted modifications required to support positive outcomes for children with ASD.
Improving accepting and giving compliments with individuals with developmental disabilities
Authors: Hood Stephanie A. , Olsen Atalie E. , Luczynski Kevin C. , Randle Francesca A.
Published: June 2020

Individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, typically exhibit conversation skill deficits, with two prevailing deficits including giving and accepting compliments. The current study used an individualized approach to assess and teach accepting and giving compliments specific to performance, possession, and appearance with three adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities. We taught these skills using behavioral skills training and prompting during conversations utilizing a multiple‐baseline design across participants. We also observed generalization and treatment extension of the participants' skills in conversations with adults not associated with teaching and in the absence of any teaching procedures. The results support the efficacy of the procedures used toward improving giving and accepting compliments within the context of a conversation. We discuss considerations to improve the social acceptability of and refinements to the teaching procedures and acquired skills.
Injury characteristics across functional classes of self‐injurious behavior
Authors: Rooker Griffin W. , Hagopian Louis P. , Becraft Jessica L. , Javed Noor , Fisher Alyssa B. , Finney Katharine S.
Published: June 2020

Self‐injurious behavior (SIB) is inherently problematic because it can lead to injuries, including those that are quite severe and may result in loss of function or permanent disfigurement. The current study replicated and extended Rooker et al. (2018) by classifying the physical characteristics of injuries across groups of individuals with automatically maintained SIB (ASIB Subtypes 2 and 3) and socially maintained SIB. Individuals with Subtype 2 ASIB had the most frequent and severe injuries. Further, an inverse relation was found between the level of differentiation in the functional analysis and the number of injuries across groups. Studying the response products of SIB (the injuries) documents the risks associated with SIB, justifies the need for research and the intensive intervention, and advances knowledge of SIB. Additional research is needed to replicate these findings, and determine the variables that produce different characteristics of injury secondary to SIB.
Effects of textual prompts and feedback on social niceties of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in a simulated workplace
Authors: Yamamoto Shinya , Isawa Shinzo
Published: June 2020

Previous research demonstrates the efficacy of behavioral skills training with a textual prompt to establish greetings and conversational skills. This study examined the efficacy of a brief intervention of textual prompts with performance feedback for increasing social niceties of adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder in a simulated workplace. Target social niceties included “Do you have a minute?” when a participant initiated an interaction and “Thank you for your time” when a participant ended the interaction. Results revealed this intervention was effective for 7 of 9 participants. This study expands upon previous studies by showing the efficacy of a resource‐efficient training on acquisition and generalization of social niceties by people with autism spectrum disorder.
Contributions of positive behavior support amid lingering questions over its relationship with behavior analysis: A review of Positive behavior supports for adults with disabilities in employment, community, and residential settings by Storey and Post
Authors: Reid Dennis H.
Published: June 2020

Positive Behavior Supports for Adults with Disabilities in Employment, Community, and Residential Settings by Keith Storey and Michal Post (2019) presents valuable information for support providers and clinicians working with adults in inclusive settings who display challenging behavior. Numerous examples of challenging behavior encountered in such settings are provided along with a multitude of interventions for addressing the behavior in ways that comport with the values of positive behavior support (PBS). This review highlights contributions of the Storey and Post book and considers the content in regard to the controversial relationship between PBS and applied behavior analysis (ABA). The authors specify ABA as the foundation of PBS, but questions linger about the exact PBS–ABA relationship that will likely affect the book's ultimate contribution. Concern over the relationship is illustrated in regard to qualifications of behavioral professionals whom the authors often refer to as being necessary to help support providers develop and implement PBS interventions.
Comparing the reinforcing efficacy of tokens and primary reinforcers
Authors: Bonfonte Stephanie A. , Bourret Jason C. , Lloveras Lindsay A.
Published: June 2020

Token economies are one of the most commonly used behavior‐analytic interventions. Despite literature supporting the use of tokens as tools for behavior change, little is known about the efficacy of tokens compared to that of the items for which they are exchanged. Results of previous research comparing the reinforcing efficacy of tokens and primary reinforcers have shown that both produce similar effects on responding. However, published findings have been confounded given the inclusion of primary reinforcers in the token‐reinforcer test conditions. In this study, we established novel tokens as reinforcers. We then conducted a conditioned‐reinforcer assessment using a tandem control to ensure that the tokens functioned as reinforcers. We used progressive‐ratio schedules to compare the reinforcing efficacy of the tokens to high‐ and low‐preference edibles that were also used as backup reinforcers. For both participants, we found that high‐preference primary reinforcers maintained higher response frequencies than did tokens.
Evaluating a treatment without extinction for elopement maintained by access to stereotypy
Authors: Boyle Megan A. , Bacon McKenzie T. , Brewer Emily M. , Carton Samantha M. , Gaskill Lauren A.
Published: June 2020

Elopement is a common and potentially dangerous form of problem behavior. Results of a functional analysis found that the elopement of a child with autism was maintained by access to stereotypy in the form of door play. We implemented functional communication training and contingency‐based delays dependent on the absence of elopement and increased the amount of time the participant waited prior to engaging in stereotypy. We also conducted treatment‐extension probes, with the participant waiting up to 10 min without elopement.
A comparison of isolated and synthesized contingencies in functional analyses
Authors: Holehan Kathleen M. , Dozier Claudia L. , Diaz de Villegas Sara C. , Jess Rachel L. , Goddard Kelsey S. , Foley Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2020

Recently, researchers have compared the utility of isolated versus synthesized contingencies in functional analysis (FA) methodology (e.g., Fisher et al., 2016; Slaton et al., 2017). A limitation of these studies is that there were other differences across FA methodologies (e.g., design, contingency) that did not allow for isolation of the influence of isolated versus synthesized contingencies. Therefore, the current study compared outcomes of FAs that involved isolated versus synthesized contingencies for problem behavior of 5 children while controlling for these other differences across FAs (Experiment 1). Next, the current study compared the effects of interventions based on the functions identified in the isolated and synthesized contingencies for each participant (Experiment 2). Results indicated isolated contingency FAs produced differentiated responding for 1 or both functions for all 5 participants, and there were little to no differences between treatments informed by isolated and synthesized contingency FAs.
On the definition of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior
Authors: Vollmer Timothy R. , Peters Kerri P. , Kronfli Faris R. , Lloveras Lindsay A. , Ibañez Vivian F.
Published: June 2020

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) has a long history as a behavioral treatment. The term has usually been defined in a manner that suggests one form of behavior (usually some appropriate alternative) is reinforced, while another form of behavior (usually problem behavior) is placed on extinction. In this paper, we will suggest that DRA should not require extinction, either procedurally or by definition. Ideally, problem behavior would be placed on extinction when possible; however, when problem behavior is not or cannot be placed on extinction, the procedure used is still DRA. Thus, we propose the following definition: Providing greater reinforcement, along at least one dimension, contingent on the occurrence of one form or type of behavior, while minimizing reinforcement for another form or type of behavior.
Training class inclusion responding in individuals with autism: Further investigation
Authors: Zagrabska‐Swiatkowska Patrycja , Mulhern Teresa , Ming Siri , Stewart Ian , McElwee John
Published: June 2020

Class inclusion (CI) requires responding to an item simultaneously as a member of both a class and a more inclusive class that contains that class. This study extends previous research by Ming et al. (2018) who trained CI responding in typically developing children and individuals with autism using a Relational Frame Theory (RFT) approach according to which CI involves responding in accordance with relations of containment and comparison. In Ming et al., participants experienced multiple exemplar training in which class containment relations were represented by placing pictures (of subclasses of animals) within nested transparent boxes. In the current study, 3 adult males with autism and moderate learning disability were not able to learn CI responding using contingent feedback alone. However, an intervention involving nonarbitrary guidance facilitated the repertoire. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Reporting of demographic variables in theJournal of Applied Behavior Analysis
Authors: Jones Stephanie H. , St. Peter Claire C. , Ruckle Mary M.
Published: June 2020

Describing demographic variables (e.g., ethnicity/race, socioeconomic status, gender/sex, age) of participants may be important for identifying relations between these variables and behavior‐analytic procedures. Previous research found that demographic variables were underreported in behavior‐analytic studies dealing with particular populations (e.g., children with Autism Spectrum Disorder), interventions (e.g., verbal behavior), or for a subset of demographic variables. We evaluated the extent to which studies recently published in theJournal of Applied Behavior Analysisincluded descriptions of demographic variables of participants. Demographic variables were often underreported, which may limit the broader dissemination of these behavior‐analytic studies and the development of culturally responsive modifications to behavioral interventions.
Evaluation of publication bias in response interruption and redirection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Dowdy Art , Tincani Matt , Schneider W. Joel
Published: June 2020

Publication bias is the disproportionate representation of studies with large effects and statistically significant findings in the published research literature. If publication bias occurs in single‐case research design studies on applied behavior‐analytic (ABA) interventions, it can result in inflated estimates of ABA intervention effects. We conducted an empirical evaluation of publication bias on an evidence‐based ABA intervention for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, response interruption and redirection (RIRD). We determined effect size estimates for published and unpublished studies using 3 metrics, percentage of nonoverlapping data (PND), Hedges'g, and log response ratios (LRR). Omnibus effect size estimates across all 3 metrics were positive, supporting that RIRD is an effective treatment for reducing problem behavior maintained by nonsocial consequences. We observed larger PND for published compared to unpublished studies, small and nonsignificant differences in LRR for published compared to unpublished studies, and significant differences in Hedges'gfor published compared to unpublished studies, with published studies showing slightly larger effect. We found little, if any, difference in methodological quality between published and unpublished studies. While RIRD appears to be an effective intervention for challenging behavior maintained by nonsocial consequences, our results reflect some degree of publication bias present in the RIRD research literature.
Rapid identification of human ovarian cancer in second harmonic generation images using radiomics feature analyses and tree‐based pipeline optimization tool
Authors: Wang Guangxing , Sun Yang , Chen Youting , Gao Qiqi , Peng Dongqing , Lin Hongxin , Zhan Zhenlin , Liu Zhiyi , Zhuo Shuangmu
Published: June 2020

Ovarian cancer is currently one of the most common cancers of the female reproductive organs, and its mortality rate is the highest among all types of gynecologic cancers. Rapid and accurate classification of ovarian cancer plays an important role in the determination of treatment plans and prognoses. Nevertheless, the most commonly used classification method is based on histopathological specimen examination, which is time‐consuming and labor‐intensive. Thus, in this study, we utilize radiomics feature extraction methods and the automated machine learning tree‐based pipeline optimization tool (TOPT) for analysis of 3D, second harmonic generation images of benign, malignant and normal human ovarian tissues, to develop a high‐efficiency computer‐aided diagnostic model. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.98, 0.96 and 0.94 were obtained, respectively, for the classification of the three tissue types. Furthermore, this approach can be readily applied to other related tissues and diseases, and has great potential for improving the efficiency of medical diagnostic processes.
Preparation recombination human‐like collagen/fibroin scaffold and promoting the cell compatibility with osteoblasts
Authors: Hu Kun , Hu Miaomiao , Xiao YongHao , Cui Yuzhu , Yan Jia , Yang Guijuan , Zhang Fan , Lin Guangqin , Yi Hanping , Han Lu , Li LuHai , Wei Yen , Cui Fuzhai
Published: June 2020

On this basis, a novel recombinant human‐like collagen (RHLC)/silk fibroin scaffold material with high porosity and controllable aperture was prepared. The compatibility of osteoblasts (OB) with the blends was tested in vitro. The morphology, adhesion and growth of scaffold cells were observed by scanning electron microscope and laser confocal microscope. Extensive measurements, including 3‐[4, 5‐dimethylthiazole‐2‐acyl]‐2, 5‐diphenyl tetrabrominate assays, intracellular total protein content, and alkaline phosphatase activity assays were performed after 7 days of culture. Survival and protein content increased in RHLC/fibroin stents. LSCM and SEM results confirmed that the cells grew better in the mixed scaffolds than in the pure silk scaffolds, and showed that the cells were easy to adhere and diffuse in the RHLC/silk scaffolds. RHLC/silk fibroin scaffolds are promising biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.
Poly‐L‐lactide scaffolds with super pores obtained by freeze‐extraction method
Authors: Budnicka Monika , Kołbuk Dorota , Ruśkowski Paweł , Gadomska‐Gajadhur Agnieszka
Published: June 2020

A nonplanar polylactide scaffold to be used in tissue engineering was obtained by freeze‐extraction method. Properties of the scaffold were modified by adding Eudragit® E100. The impact of the modification on morphology, porosity and pore size, mass absorbability, mechanical properties was determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hydrostatic weighing test, static compression test was used to this end. The chemical composition of the scaffold was defined based on infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Biocompatibility was confirmed by quantitative tests and microscopic observation. The obtained results show that the obtained scaffolds may be applied as a carrier of hydrophilic cellular growth factors for more efficient tissue regeneration.
Population Pharmacokinetic Model of Dexmedetomidine in a Heterogeneous Group of Patients
Authors: Ber Justyna , Wiczling Paweł , Hołysz Marcin , Klupczyńska Agnieszka , Bartkowska‐Śniatkowska Alicja , Bieda Krzysztof , Smuszkiewicz Piotr , Nowicka Małgorzata , Żurański Łukasz , Sobczyński Paweł , Matysiak Jan , Grześkowiak Edmund , Bienert Agnieszka
Published: June 2020

Dexmedetomidine is a hepatically eliminated drug with sedative, anxiolytic, sympatholytic, and analgesic properties that has been increasingly used for various indications in the form of a short or continuous intravenous infusion. This study aimed to propose a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of dexmedetomidine in a heterogeneous group of intensive care unit patients, incorporating 29 covariates potentially linked with dexmedetomidine PK. Data were collected from 70 patients aged between 0.25 and 88 years and treated with dexmedetomidine infusion for various durations at 1 of 4 medical centers. Statistical analysis was performed using a nonlinear mixed‐effect model. Categorical and continuous covariates including demographic data, hemodynamic parameters, biochemical markers, and 11 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were tested. A 2‐compartment model was used to describe dexmedetomidine PK. An allometric/isometric scaling was used to account for body weight difference in PK parameters, and the Hill equation was used to describe the maturation of clearance. Typical values of the central and peripheral volume of distribution and the systemic and distribution clearance for a theoretical adult patient were central volume of distribution = 22.50 L, peripheral volume of distribution  = 86.1 L, systemic clearance =  34.7 L/h, and distribution clearance = 40.8 L/h. The CYP1A2 genetic polymorphism and noradrenaline administration were identified as significant covariates for clearance. A population PK model of dexmedetomidine was successfully developed. The proposed model is well calibrated to the observed data. The identified covariates account for <5% of interindividual variability and consequently are of low clinical significance for the purpose of dose adjustment.
Relative importance of top‐down vs. bottom‐up control of lake phytoplankton vertical distributions varies among fluorescence‐based spectral groups
Authors: Lofton Mary E. , Leach Taylor H. , Beisner Beatrix E. , Carey Cayelan C.
Published: June 2020

The relative importance of top‐down vs. bottom‐up control of phytoplankton biomass in aquatic ecosystems has been long debated and studied. However, few studies have considered the relative importance of top‐down vs. bottom‐up control on phytoplankton vertical distributions and characteristics of deep chlorophyll maxima (DCMs), and fewer still have investigated the importance of these drivers for multiple phytoplankton groups. We examined depth profiles of four phytoplankton spectral groups and a suite of top‐down (zooplankton) and bottom‐up (nutrients, temperature, and light) drivers from 51 north temperate lakes varying on gradients of size, trophic state, light availability, and thermal stratification. We used regression trees to identify the most important drivers of different vertical distribution metrics for each phytoplankton spectral group. The relative importance of top‐down vs. bottom‐up control varied across spectral groups and was related to the characteristics of the dominant taxa within each spectral group, as assessed by microscope counts. Zooplankton biomass was the most important driver of brown algae vertical distributions, likely because this group contained highly edible taxa (primarily chrysophytes), while thermal stratification predicted vertical distributions of buoyancy‐regulating cyanobacteria. Our work highlights the importance of examining phytoplankton community composition to improve understanding of DCM characteristics and top‐down vs. bottom‐up control of phytoplankton in aquatic systems.
Infection of filamentous phytoplankton by fungal parasites enhances herbivory in pelagic food webs
Authors: Frenken Thijs , Wolinska Justyna , Tao Yile , Rohrlack Thomas , Agha Ramsy
Published: June 2020

Chytrid fungal parasites are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and infect a wide array of aquatic organisms, including all phytoplankton groups. In addition to their role as parasites, chytrids serve as food to zooplankton, thereby establishing an alternative trophic link between primary and secondary production in pelagic food webs, the so‐called mycoloop. We hypothesized that, in addition to the mycoloop, chytrid infection facilitates grazing of filamentous phytoplankton by rendering it more edible to zooplankton consumers through infection‐induced fragmentation. We undertook grazing assays to compare the ability of the key zooplankter Daphnia to graze on a filamentous cyanobacterium in the presence or absence of chytrid infection. A near doubling in mean clearance rates was consistently recorded when Daphnia were fed with infected cultures of the cyanobacterium as compared to uninfected ones. Infected filaments were shorter than noninfected ones, indicating that infection‐induced fragmentation undermines resistance of filamentous phytoplankton to grazing. We propose an extended conceptualization of the mycoloop that includes both direct effects (i.e., transfer via grazing of chytrid zoospores) and indirect effects (i.e., trophic upgrading and facilitated grazing on phytoplankton via fragmentation) of chytrid infection on trophic transfer at the base of pelagic food webs.
Observation of Novel Robust Edge States in Dissipative Non‐Hermitian Quantum Walks
Authors: Wang Bo , Chen Tian , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: June 2020

Recently, the study of non‐Hermitian physics has attracted considerable attention. The modified bulk‐boundary correspondence has been proposed to understand topological edge states in non‐Hermitian static systems. Here, a new experimental observation of edge states in non‐Hermitian time‐driven systems (quantum walks) is reported. Topologically edge states protected by Hermitian conjugation of particle–hole symmetry (PHS†) are found in the unbroken parity–time (PT)‐symmetric phase. When the system changes from the unbroken to the broken PT‐symmetric phase, the topological phase transition occurs accompanied by the change of the number of edge states. The robust properties of these edge states against static perturbations and disorder are also demonstrated experimentally. The finding of robust edge states in non‐Hermitian systems inspires to explore a robust transport channel in ubiquitously complex systems with strong dissipation.
Hydrogen‐Bonding UCST‐Thermosensitive Nanogels by Direct Photo‐RAFT Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Dispersion
Authors: Tran Thi Nga , Piogé Sandie , Fontaine Laurent , Pascual Sagrario
Published: June 2020

Hydrogen‐bonding upper critical solution temperature (UCST) thermosensitive nanogels based on poly(N‐acryloyl glycinamide) (PNAGA) are synthesized by photo‐reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer mediated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (photo‐RAFT PISA) in aqueous dispersion using N,N′‐methylenebis(acrylamide) as crosslinker and poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate) as both stabilizer and macromolecular chain transfer agent (macro‐CTA). Highly stable, spherical nanogels with narrow polydispersity are efficiently produced up to complete monomer conversion within 1 h under UV irradiation at low temperature (3 °C). The thermosensitive behavior of PNAGA‐based nanogels, as assessed by dynamic light scattering and UV–vis spectrophotometry, exhibits reversible heating‐induced swelling and cooling‐induced shrinking corresponding to the expected UCST behavior. The hydrodynamic diameter, swelling ratio, and phase transition temperature of nanogels can be tuned by modifying the initial molar ratio of monomer‐to‐macro‐CTA and the amount of crosslinker in the photo‐RAFT PISA of NAGA.
THE SPACE DIMENSION AT THE MICRO LEVEL: MASS SPECTROMETRY IMAGING OF DRUGS IN TISSUES
Authors: Davoli Enrico , Zucchetti Massimo , Matteo Cristina , Ubezio Paolo , D'Incalci Maurizio , Morosi Lavinia
Published: June 2020

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has seen remarkable development in recent years. The possibility of getting quantitative or semiquantitative data, while maintaining the spatial component in the tissues has opened up unique study possibilities. Now with a spatial window of few tens of microns, we can characterize the events occurring in tissue subcompartments in physiological and pathological conditions. For example, in oncology—especially in preclinical models—we can quantitatively measure drug distribution within tumors, correlating it with pharmacological treatments intended to modify it. We can also study the local effects of the drug in the tissue, and their effects in relation to histology. This review focuses on the main results in the field of drug MSI in clinical pharmacology, looking at the literature on the distribution of drugs in human tissues, and also the first preclinical evidence of drug intratissue effects. The main instrumental techniques are discussed, looking at the different instrumentation, sample preparation protocols, and raw data management employed to obtain the sensitivity required for these studies. Finally, we review the applications that describe in situ metabolic events and pathways induced by the drug, in animal models, showing that MSI makes it possible to study effects that go beyond the simple concentration of the drug, maintaining the space dimension. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
MADVent: A low‐cost ventilator for patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Vasan Aditya , Weekes Reiley , Connacher William , Sieker Jeremy , Stambaugh Mark , Suresh Preetham , Lee Daniel E. , Mazzei William , Schlaepfer Eric , Vallejos Theodore , Petersen Johan , Merritt Sidney , Petersen Lonnie , Friend James ,   Acute Ventilation Rapid Response Taskforce (AVERT)
Published: June 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has produced critical shortages of ventilators worldwide. There is an unmet need for rapidly deployable, emergency‐use ventilators with sufficient functionality to manage COVID‐19 patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Here, we show the development and validation of a simple, portable and low‐cost ventilator that may be rapidly manufactured with minimal susceptibility to supply chain disruptions. This single‐mode continuous, mandatory, closed‐loop, pressure‐controlled, time‐terminated emergency ventilator offers robust safety and functionality absent in existing solutions to the ventilator shortage. Validated using certified test lungs over a wide range of compliances, pressures, volumes and resistances to meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards of safety and efficacy, an Emergency Use Authorization is in review for this system. This emergency ventilator could eliminate controversial ventilator rationing or splitting to serve multiple patients. All design and validation information is provided to facilitate ventilator production even in resource‐limited settings.
Improving the slice interaction of 2.5D CNN for automatic pancreas segmentation
Authors: Zheng Hao , Qian Lijun , Qin Yulei , Gu Yun , Yang Jie
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Volumetric pancreas segmentation can be used in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases, the research about diabetes and surgical planning. Since manual delineation is time‐consuming and laborious, we develop a deep learning‐based framework for automatic pancreas segmentation in three dimensional (3D) medical images.

Methods

A two‐stage framework is designed for automatic pancreas delineation. In the localization stage, a Square Root Dice loss is developed to handle the trade‐off between sensitivity and specificity. In refinement stage, a novel 2.5D slice interaction network with slice correlation module is proposed to capture the non‐local cross‐slice information at multiple feature levels. Also a self‐supervised learning‐based pre‐training method, slice shuffle, is designed to encourage the inter‐slice communication. To further improve the accuracy and robustness, ensemble learning and a recurrent refinement process are adopted in the segmentation flow.

Results

The segmentation technique is validated in a public dataset (NIH Pancreas‐CT) with 82 abdominal contrast‐enhanced 3D CT scans. Fourfold cross‐validation is performed to assess the capability and robustness of our method. The dice similarity coefficient, sensitivity, and specificity of our results are 86.21 ± 4.37%, 87.49 ± 6.38% and 85.11 ± 6.49% respectively, which is the state‐of‐the‐art performance in this dataset.

Conclusions

We proposed an automatic pancreas segmentation framework and validate in an open dataset. It is found that 2.5D network benefits from multi‐level slice interaction and suitable self‐supervised learning method for pre‐training can boost the performance of neural network. This technique could provide new image findings for the routine diagnosis of pancreatic disease.
Local atomic and electronic structure in the LiVPO4(F,O) tavorite‐type materials from solid‐state NMR combined with DFT calculations
Authors: Bamine Tahya , Boivin Edouard , Masquelier Christian , Croguennec Laurence , Salager Elodie , Carlier Dany
Published: June 2020

7Li, 31P, and 19F solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the local arrangement of oxygen and fluorine in LiVPO4F1‐yOy materials, interesting as positive electrode materials for Li‐ion batteries. From the evolution of the 1D spectra versus y, 2D 7Li radiofrequency‐driven recoupling (RFDR) experiments combined, and a tentative signal assignment based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it appears that F and O are not randomly dispersed on the bridging X position between two X–VO4–X octahedra (X = O or F) but tend to segregate at a local scale. Using DFT calculations, we analyzed the impact of the different local environments on the local electronic structure. Depending on the nature of the VO4X2 environments, vanadium ions are either in the +III or in the +IV oxidation state and can exhibit different distributions of their unpaired electron(s) on the d orbitals. Based on those different local electronic structures and on the computed Fermi contact shifts, we discuss the impact on the spin transfer mechanism on adjacent nuclei and propose tentative signal assignments. The O/F clustering tendency is discussed in relation with the formation of short VIVO vanadyl bonds with a very specific electronic structure and possible cooperative effect along the chain.
Exercise and education for knee osteoarthritis—What are accredited exercise physiologists providing?
Authors: Ram Adrian , Booth John , Thom Jeanette , Jones Matthew D.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Clinical guidelines for the non‐surgical management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) recommend exercise and education. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) deliver exercise and education for knee OA and how it aligns with clinical practice guidelines.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Method

An online survey targeted to AEPs across Australia to understand the exercise and education content of their interventions for knee OA. Likert scale and multiple‐choice questions were used to measure responses relating to exercise prescription. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the nature of education being delivered by AEPs. The revised neurophysiology of pain questionnaire (r‐NPQ) was used to quantify pain neuroscience knowledge.

Results

A total of 161 AEPs completed the survey (63 men, 98 women; mean experience 5.8 ± 4.7 years). Exercises commonly prescribed included: strength (99% of respondents), weight bearing (90%) and aerobic (83%), with 98% of AEPs prescribing exercise for the affected and unaffected limb. Only 32% of respondents frequently considered prescribing ‘exercise into pain’. The four main education themes were exercise (86%), self‐management (61%), weight loss (56%) and pain management (51%). Specific pain neuroscience education (PNE) was provided by only 21% of respondents.

Conclusions

Exercise prescription mostly aligned with evidence‐based recommendations. The education component of AEP interventions for knee OA focused on the benefits of exercise. However, other education guideline recommendations about the disease, appropriate treatments and self‐management were underutilised. The PNE knowledge of AEPs was comparable with other secondary care providers, although only a minority of AEPs provide PNE.
Prevalence of the nocturnal polyuria syndrome in men
Authors: Emeruwa Curran J. , Epstein Matthew R. , Michelson Kyle P. , Monaghan Thomas F. , Weiss Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2020

Aims

Nocturnal polyuria (NP) is caused by a wide array of factors, including genitourinary and systemic comorbidities, modifiable behavior, and pharmaceuticals. When an identifying factor is absent, NP may be purely a symptom of the nocturnal polyuria syndrome (NPS) and secondary to blunting of normal arginine vasopressin action within the circadian rhythm. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of NPS in male patients attending a Veterans Affairs outpatient urology clinic.

Methods

Retrospective database analysis was performed of voiding diaries from men who had established care for lower urinary tract symptoms from 2007 to 2018. Patients were excluded if they reported fewer than two nocturnal voids on voiding diary analysis or had comorbidity associated with NP. Distinct cutoffs were separately employed to identify NP: nocturnal polyuria index (NPi; calculated as nocturnal urine volume divided by 24‐hour urine volume) greater than 0.33; and nocturnal urine production (NUP) greater than 90 mL/h.

Results

A total of 283 completed voiding diaries were evaluated and 202 patients had ≥2 nocturnal voids. After exclusions, at NPi greater than 33, the floor and ceiling NPS prevalence values were 21% and 41%, respectively. At NUP greater than 90 mL/h, the floor and ceiling NPS prevalence values were 17% and 32%, respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of NPS in patients with nocturia in the present study lies between 17% and 41%. NPS constitutes a clinically relevant subgroup of nocturia among male patients in the Veterans Affairs outpatient urology setting.
Nexus between carbon emission, financial development, and access to electricity: Incorporating the role of natural resources and population growth
Authors: Khan Noor Hashim , Ju Yanbing , Danish  , Latif Zahid , Khan Khalid
Published: June 2020

This study explores the nexus between financial development, access to electricity, and CO2 emissions in Pakistan over the period from 1990 to 2015, incorporating the role of natural resources and population growth. We checked the stationarity of the data by using three different unit root tests (ADF, Phillip Pesaran, and DG‐FLS). Long‐ and short‐run elasticities have been determined through auto‐regressive distributive lag (ARDL) method. The empirical results confirmed that financial development and access to electricity increase CO2 emissions and deteriorate the environmental quality. In addition, the population growth is responsible for growing CO2 emissions in Pakistan, while natural resources have insignificant relation with CO2 emissions. Furthermore, bidirectional causality exists between population growth and natural resources, whereas unidirectional causality is detected among financial development and CO2 emissions, natural resources and population growth, and financial development and population growth. The newly developed findings suggest helpful policy implications to adequately address the issue of CO2 emissions without compromising economic development.
Impact of corporate governance mechanisms on the cost of equity capital in emerging markets
Authors: Faysal Saad , Salehi Mahdi , Moradi Mahdi
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of corporate governance mechanisms on the cost of equity (COE) of Iranian and Iraqi nonfinancial companies listed in the Iran‐Iraq Stock Exchange. In order to achieve the purpose of the study all listed companies on the Iran‐Iraq Stock Exchange, was considered as population of the study during the period of 2012–2017 (137 Iranian listed companies and 34 Iraqi listed companies). In order to test the relationship between variables, the researchers used a set of statistics to estimate the multiple regression model appropriate to the study. Our results indicate a significant positive role for the board size and CEO tenure in reducing the COE. Finally, our results reveal a positive role in audit quality in reducing the COE in the Iranian context.
Upregulated expression and function of the α4β1 integrin in multiple myeloma cells resistant to bortezomib
Authors: Sevilla‐Movilla Silvia , Arellano‐Sánchez Nohemí , Martínez‐Moreno Mónica , Gajate Consuelo , Sánchez‐Vencells Anna , Valcárcel Luis V , Agirre Xabier , Valeri Antonio , Martínez‐López Joaquin , Prósper Felipe , Mollinedo Faustino , Teixidó Joaquin
Published: June 2020

The interaction of multiple myeloma (MM) cells with the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment promotes MM cell retention, survival, and resistance to different anti‐MM agents, including proteasome inhibitors (PIs) such as bortezomib (BTZ). The α4β1 integrin is a main adhesion receptor mediating MM cell–stroma interactions and MM cell survival, and its expression and function are downregulated by BTZ, leading to inhibition of cell adhesion‐mediated drug resistance (CAM‐DR) and MM cell apoptosis. Whether decreased α4β1 expression and activity are maintained or recovered upon development of resistance to BTZ represents an important question, as a potential rescue of α4β1 function could boost MM cell survival and disease progression. Using BTZ‐resistant MM cells, we found that they not only rescue their α4β1 expression, but its levels were higher than in parental cells. Increased α4β1 expression in resistant cells correlated with enhanced α4β1‐mediated cell lodging in the BM, and with disease progression. BTZ‐resistant MM cells displayed enhanced NF‐κB pathway activation relative to parental counterparts, which contributed to upregulated α4 expression and to α4β1‐dependent MM cell adhesion. These data emphasize the upregulation of α4β1 expression and function as a key event during resistance to BTZ in MM, which might indirectly contribute to stabilize this resistance, as stronger MM cell attachment to BM stroma will regain CAM‐DR and MM cell growth and survival. Finally, we found a strong correlation between high ITGB1 (integrin β1) expression in MM and poor progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) during treatment of MM patients with BTZ and IMIDs, and combination of high ITGB1 levels and presence of the high‐risk genetic factor amp1q causes low PFS and OS. These results unravel a novel prognostic value for ITGB1 in myeloma. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.