Evaluating the Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Mutation D614G on Transmissibility and Pathogenicity.

Global dispersal and increasing frequency of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein variant D614G are suggestive of a selective advantage but may also be due to a random founder effect. We investigate the hypothesis for positive selection of spike D614G in the United Kingdom using more than 25,000 whole genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Despite the availability of a large dataset, well represented by both spike 614 variants, not all approaches showed a conclusive signal of positive selection. Population genetic analysis indicates that 614G increases in frequency relative to 614D in a manner consistent with a selective advantage. We do not find any indication that patients infected with the spike 614G variant have higher COVID-19 mortality or clinical severity, but 614G is associated with higher viral load and younger age of patients. Significant differences in growth and size of 614G phylogenetic clusters indicate a need for continued study of this variant

Evaluating the Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Mutation D614G on Transmissibility and Pathogenicity

Global dispersal and increasing frequency of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein variant D614G are suggestive of a selective advantage but may also be due to a random founder effect. We investigate the hypothesis for positive selection of spike D614G in the United Kingdom using more than 25,000 whole genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Despite the availability of a large dataset, well represented by both spike 614 variants, not all approaches showed a conclusive signal of positive selection. Population genetic analysis indicates that 614G increases in frequency relative to 614D in a manner consistent with a selective advantage. We do not find any indication that patients infected with the spike 614G variant have higher COVID-19 mortality or clinical severity, but 614G is associated with higher viral load and younger age of patients. Significant differences in growth and size of 614G phylogenetic clusters indicate a need for continued study of this variant

Panel 2: Legal Scholarship and the Legal System

Aside from its value within programs of legal education, does legal scholarship serve important functions within the legal system? How, if at all, should legal scholarship change to better serve the legal system? Presenters: Rashmi Dyal-Chand, Northeastern University School of LawHon. David Hamilton, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh CircuitAmy R. Mashburn, University of Florida Levin College of LawHon. Nina Pillard, U.S. Court of Appeals - D.C. Circuit Moderator: Ronald Weich, University of Baltimore School of La

Panel 2: Legal Scholarship and the Legal System

Aside from its value within programs of legal education, does legal scholarship serve important functions within the legal system? How, if at all, should legal scholarship change to better serve the legal system? Presenters: Rashmi Dyal-Chand, Northeastern University School of LawHon. David Hamilton, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh CircuitAmy R. Mashburn, University of Florida Levin College of LawHon. Nina Pillard, U.S. Court of Appeals - D.C. Circuit Moderator: Ronald Weich, University of Baltimore School of La