bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China's climate change policy: Central–local governmental interaction
Authors: Zhang Yunhan , Orbie Jan , Delputte Sarah
Published: February 2020

It is indisputable that China has been a major actor in climate change. This raises the question: of which lens is most appropriate to gain an understanding of the recent changes in China's domestic climate change policy? Although there is insufficient attention paid to political science accounts of central–local relations in climate governance, this article aims to contribute to the theoretical research on Chinese climate change policy by developing and applying a theoretical framework. Using this novel theoretical framework based on systems theory, this article analyses the complex allocation of power and incentives between the central and local governments. Methodologically, this research is based on expert interviews with relevant officials, negotiators, scholars, climate nongovernmental organizations, and emitter companies. Our analysis reveals that this evolution has been a nonlinear process that has been substantially influenced by central–local governmental interactions. Specifically, we find two trial‐and‐error processes in the evolution of China's climate change policy. We conclude with some reflections on the wider implications of this recentralization trend for the long‐term sustainability of China's climate change policies.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Quinolyl Porphyrins as Receptors. Study of their Association with Halophenols and 4‐Nitrophenol as a Reference
Authors: Echaubard Julie , Bousfiha Asmae , Berthelot Mathieu , Roger Julien , Fleurat‐Lessard Paul , Cattey Hélène , Fournier Sophie , Devillers Charles H. , Lucas Dominique
Published: February 2020

In this work, new receptors built on the porphyrin scaffold were synthesized for halophenols recognition. A quinolyl group was introduced on the porphyrin's periphery as binding site, to form two series of molecules based on two distinct porphyrin frames and which were obtained in free base and zinc forms. The binding between these porphyrin‐based receptors and halophenols (2,3,4,6‐tetrachlorophenol, 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol or 2,4,6‐tribromophenol) was studied. As established by 1H NMR spectroscopy, the binding constants are in the range of two‐digit numbers, which value is correlated with the porphyrin structure (substitutive pattern, form of the free base or ZnII complex) and the pKa of the respective phenol. These data, supplemented by a X‐ray structure of one adduct complex, indicate a single interaction between the phenolic proton and the nitrogen of the quinolyl group. The binding with p‐nitrophenol was tested for comparison. The association constant increases at a scale of one order of magnitude. This net stabilization of the adduct complex in this case is explained by additional hydrogen bonds implying the nitro function, as also witnessed by X‐ray diffractometry.
Structure‐Activity Relationships for Bis(phenolate‐ether) Zr/Hf Propene Polymerization Catalysts
Authors: Cuthbert Eric N. T. , Vittoria Antonio , Cipullo Roberta , Busico Vincenzo , Budzelaar Peter H. M.
Published: February 2020

A series of 20 bis(phenolate‐ether) ligands, in combination with Zr and Hf, was tested for performance in propene polymerization, focusing on molecular weight, stereoregularity and regioregularity of the resulting polymer. Ligand variation covers length of the aliphatic linker between the ligand halves, as well as steric bulk of the groups ortho to the phenolate oxygen. The linker length has a dramatic effect on MW: two‐carbon linkers produce oligomers (Mn < 2.5 kDa) while three‐ and four‐carbon linkers generate much higher MW (Mn typically 50–500 kDa). Stereoselectivity can be tuned using large, flat substituents in the o‐phenolate position; tuning of regioselectivity is much harder. Hf catalysts are slower than their Zr analogs and do not work well with MAO/BHT (BHT = 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol); they are generally more selective (MW, stereo and regio). Density functional calculations agree fairly well with observed selectivities, supporting the involvement of a fac/fac coordinated active species. These O4 catalysts are considerably more flexible than e.g. metallocenes, making accurate prediction of PP microstructure a significant challenge.
Ammonothermal Synthesis of Ba2PO3N – An Oxonitridophosphate with Non‐Condensed PO3N Tetrahedra
Authors: Wendl Sebastian , Mallmann Mathias , Strobel Philipp , Schmidt Peter J. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

The ortho‐oxonitridophosphate Ba2PO3N was synthesized under ammonobasic conditions (T = 1070 K, p = 120 MPa) in custom‐built high‐temperature autoclaves, starting from red phosphorus, BaO, NaN3 and KOH. Thus, single crystals of up to several hundred µm were obtained, which were used for single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Ba2PO3N [Pnma (no. 62), a = 7.596(2), b = 5.796(1), c = 10.212(3) Å, Z = 4] crystallizes in the β‐K2SO4 structure type with non‐condensed [PO3N]4– ions and is isotypic to its lighter homologues EA2PO3N (EA = Ca, Sr). Powder X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy corroborate the crystal structure. The optical band gap was determined by means of diffuse reflectance UV/Vis spectroscopy to be 4.3 eV. Eu2+ doped samples show green luminescence (λem = 534 nm, fwhm = 85 nm/2961 cm–1) when irradiated with UV light (λexc = 420 nm). However, Ba2PO3N:Eu2+ shows strong thermal quenching, even at room temperature.
Synthesis of Isobenzofuranones by Cobalt Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Méndez‐Gálvez Carolina , Böhme Matthias , Leino Reko , Savela Risto
Published: February 2020

Highly regioselective cobalt catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of diynes and monoynes to afford isobenzofuranones in good yields is described. The reaction proceeds in the presence of cheap and readily available cobalt catalyst with a sterically hindered pyridine‐2,6‐diimine ligand. Applicability of the method can also be extended to the synthesis of isoindolinones.
Modeling and prediction of surface roughness using multiple regressions: A noncontact approach
Authors: Patel Dhiren R. , Kiran Mysore B. , Vakharia Vinay
Published: February 2020

In the present work, a machine vision system is introduced, which captures images and extracts surface texture features of machined surfaces. The texture feature parameters are extracted using the gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix and correlated with different surface roughness parameters recorded by a contact‐type surface profilometer. The image acquisition carried out at different roughness levels in order to extract texture features. The variation between each texture features and surface roughness parameter is investigated. Multiple regression models are developed to predict the subjective estimation of surface roughness parameter (Ra) and qualitative detection of the degree of surface roughness. It is observed that the linear detection model shows better performance characteristics compared with a nonlinear detection model. The comparison between measured and predicted results shows that the linear detection model had a maximum relative error of 2.01%, drastically better than nonlinear detection model of −9.60% error parts, hence indicating better surface detection capability over the nonlinear detection model. The results demonstrate that the prediction of surface roughness using linear regression model is a reliable approach of noncontact measurement.
Does patient expectancy account for the cognitive and clinical benefits of mindfulness training in older adults?
Authors: Haddad Rita , Lenze Eric J. , Nicol Ginger , Miller J. Philip , Yingling Michael , Wetherell Julie Loebach
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Patient expectations of treatment effects could influence neuropsychological and clinical outcomes in clinical trials of behavioral and lifestyle interventions, which could potentially confound the interpretation of findings. Our aim was to examine whether patient expectancy mediated effectiveness of Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for improving cognitive function and clinical outcome.

Methods

The present study uses data from a single‐blind, multi‐site, randomized controlled trial comparing MBSR to a health education attention control in older adults with anxiety and/or depressive disorders and subjective cognitive concerns. Using the Credibility and Expectations Questionnaire, we measured expectancy and perceived credibility of the interventions assigned to patients. Using mediational analysis, we examined the influence of expectancy and credibility on two key outcomes: memory performance and clinical global improvement.

Results

Neither expectancy nor perceived credibility of intervention accounted significantly for MBSR's effectiveness for memory test performance or clinical global improvement.

Conclusion

In this clinical trial, expectancy for improvement did not account for the effectiveness of MBSR on memory performance or clinical outcomes in depressed and anxious older adults. We advise that clinical trials of behavioral and lifestyle interventions for brain health in older adults should measure and test the role of expectancy.
Epigenetic plasticity potentiates a rapid cyclical shift to and from an aggressive cancer phenotype
Authors: Xu Tong , Li Hong‐Tao , Wei Jenny , Li Meng , Hsieh Tien‐Chan , Lu Yi‐Tsung , Lakshminarasimhan Ranjani , Xu Rong , Hodara Emmanuelle , Morrison Gareth , Gujar Hemant , Rhie Suhn Kyong , Siegmund Kimberly , Liang Gangning , Goldkorn Amir
Published: February 2020

Highly tumorigenic, drug‐resistant cancer stem‐like cells drive cancer progression. These aggressive cells can arise repeatedly from bulk tumor cells independently of mutational events, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism. To test this possibility, we studied bladder cancer cells as they cyclically shifted to and from a cancer stem‐like phenotype, and we discovered that these two states exhibit distinct DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility. Most differential chromatin accessibility was independent of methylation and affected the expression of driver genes such as E2F3, a cell cycle regulator associated with aggressive bladder cancer. Cancer stem‐like cells exhibited increased E2F3 promoter accessibility and increased E2F3 expression that drove cell migration, invasiveness and drug resistance. Epigenetic interference using a DNA methylation inhibitor blocked the transition to a cancer stem‐like state and reduced E2F3 expression. Our findings indicate that epigenetic plasticity plays a key role in the transition to and from an aggressive, drug‐resistant phenotype.
Stereotaxic endoscopy for the ocular imaging of awake, freely moving animal models
Authors: Paulson Bjorn , Lee Sangwook , Jue Miyeon , Lee Kyungsung , Lee Sanghwa , Kim Guk Bae , Moon Youngjin , Lee Joo Yong , Kim Namkug , Kim Jun Ki
Published: February 2020

Stereotaxic instruments are increasingly used in research animals for the study of disease, but typically require restraints and anesthetic procedures. A stereotaxic head mount that enables imaging of the anterior chamber of the eye in alert and freely mobile mice is presented in this study. The head mount is fitted based on computed tomography scans and manufactured using 3D printing. The system is placed noninvasively using temporal mount bars and a snout mount, without breaking the skin or risking suffocation, while an instrument channel stabilizes the ocular probes. With a flexible micro‐endoscopic probe and a confocal scanning laser microscopy system, <20 μm resolution is achieved in vivo with a field of view of nearly 1 mm. Discomfort is minimal, and further adaptations for minimally invasive neuroscience, optogenetics and auditory studies are possible.
PKM2 regulates angiogenesis of VR‐EPCs through modulating glycolysis, mitochondrial fission, and fusion
Authors: Ren Ranyue , Guo Jiachao , Shi Jia , Tian Yong , Li Mengwei , Kang Hao
Published: February 2020

Vascular resident endothelial progenitor cells (VR‐EPCs) have a certain ability to differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs) and participate in the process of angiogenesis. Glycolysis and mitochondrial fission and fusion play a pivotal role in angiogenesis. Pyruvate kinase muscle isoenzyme 2 (PKM2), which mediates energy metabolism and mitochondrial morphology, is regarded as the focus of VR‐EPCs angiogenesis in our study. VR‐EPCs were isolated from the hearts of 12‐weeks‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats. The role of PKM2 on angiogenesis was evaluated by tube formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Western blot analysis, flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential detection, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate the potential mechanism of PKM2 for regulating VR‐EPCs angiogenesis. We explored the function of PKM2 on the angiogenesis of VR‐EPCs. DASA‐58 (the activator of PKM2) promoted VR‐EPCs proliferation and PKM2 activity, it also could promote angiogenic differentiation. At the same time, DASA‐58 significantly enhanced glycolysis, mitochondrial fusion, slightly increased mitochondrial membrane potential, and maintained ROS at a low level. C3k, an inhibitor of PKM2, inhibited PKM2 activity, expression of angiogenesis‐related genes and tube formation. Besides, C3k drastically reduced glycolysis and mitochondrial membrane potential while significantly promoting mitochondrial fission and ROS level. Activation of PKM2 could promote VR‐EPCs angiogenesis through modulating glycolysis, mitochondrial fission and fusion. By contrast, PKM2 inhibitor has opposite effects.
Characterization of cell signaling, morphology, and differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells based on cell adhesion mechanism
Authors: Kang Jung‐Mi , Rajangam Thanavel , Rhie Jong‐Won , Kim Sang‐Heon
Published: February 2020

It is essential to characterize the cellular properties of mesenchymal stem cell populations to maintain quality specifications and control in regenerative medicine. Biofunctional materials have been designed as artificial matrices for the stimulation of cell adhesion and specific cellular functions. We have developed recombinant maltose‐binding protein (MBP)‐fused proteins as artificial adhesion matrices to control human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) fate by using an integrin‐independent heparin sulfate proteoglycans‐mediated cell adhesion. In this study, we characterize cell adhesion‐dependent cellular behaviors of human adipose‐derived stem cells (hASCs) and human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs). We used an MBP‐fused basic fibroblast growth factor (MF)‐coated surface and fibronectin (FN)‐coated surface to restrict and support, respectively, integrin‐mediated adhesion. The cells adhered to MF exhibited restricted actin cytoskeleton organization and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. The hASCs and hBMSCs exhibited different cytoplasmic projection morphologies on MF. Both hASCs and hBMSCs differentiated more dominantly into osteogenic cells on FN than on MF. In contrast, hASCs differentiated more dominantly into adipogenic cells on MF than on FN, whereas hBMSCs differentiated predominantly into adipogenic cells on FN. The results indicate that hASCs exhibit a competitive differentiation potential (osteogenesis vs. adipogenesis) that depends on the cell adhesion matrix, whereas hBMSCs exhibit both adipogenesis and osteogenesis in integrin‐mediated adhesion and thus hBMSCs have noncompetitive differentiation potential. We suggest that comparing differentiation behaviors of hMSCs with the diversity of cell adhesion is an important way to characterize hMSCs for regenerative medicine.
Transforming growth factor‐β signaling, a potential mechanism associated with diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer?
Authors: Ma Xingyuan , Cui Zhiwei , Du Zhide , Lin Hui
Published: February 2020

Pancreatic cancer is a common malignant digestive disease. Epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated that pancreatic cancer is closely related to diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, which is linked with poor outcomes. Pancreatic cancer is complicated with abnormal blood sugar and insulin resistance and promotes the development of diabetes mellitus. Understanding the molecular mechanisms linking diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer is essential for the treatment of diabetes cancer patients. The transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling pathway is deregulated in cancer and has a dual role in different stages of cancer as a suppressor or a promoter. More important, The TGF‐β signaling pathway is also another important reason for diabetic complications. This review summarizes the relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, in particular, focusing on the role of the TGF‐β signaling pathway. It is possible to find drugs like metformin that can prevent and treat pancreatic cancer by targeting the TGF‐β signaling pathway.
Δ1‐Pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase deficiency: An emergent multifaceted urea cycle‐related disorder
Authors: Marco‐Marín Clara , Escamilla‐Honrubia Juan M. , Llácer José L. , Seri Marco , Panza Emanuele , Rubio Vicente
Published: February 2020

The bifunctional homooligomeric enzyme Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) and its encoding gene ALDH18A1 were associated with disease in 1998. Two siblings who presented paradoxical hyperammonemia (alleviated by protein), mental disability, short stature, cataracts, cutis laxa, and joint laxity, were found to carry biallelic ALDH18A1 mutations. They showed biochemical indications of decreased ornithine/proline synthesis, agreeing with the role of P5CS in the biosynthesis of these amino acids. Of 32 patients reported with this neurocutaneous syndrome, 21 familial ones hosted homozygous or compound heterozygous ALDH18A1 mutations, while 11 sporadic ones carried de novo heterozygous ALDH18A1 mutations. In 2015 to 2016, an upper motor neuron syndrome (spastic paraparesis/paraplegia SPG9) complicated with some traits of the neurocutaneous syndrome, although without report of cutis laxa, joint laxity, or herniae, was associated with monoallelic or biallelic ALDH18A1 mutations with, respectively, dominant and recessive inheritance. Of 50 SPG9 patients reported, 14 and 36 (34/2 familial/sporadic) carried, respectively, biallelic and monoallelic mutations. Thus, two neurocutaneous syndromes (recessive and dominant cutis laxa 3, abbreviated ARCL3A and ADCL3, respectively) and two SPG9 syndromes (recessive SPG9B and dominant SPG9A) are caused by essentially different spectra of ALDH18A1 mutations. On the bases of the clinical data (including our own prior patients' reports), the ALDH18A1 mutations spectra, and our knowledge on the P5CS protein, we conclude that the four syndromes share the same pathogenic mechanisms based on decreased P5CS function. Thus, these syndromes represent a continuum of increasing severity (SPG9A < SPG9B < ADCL3 ≤ ARCL3A) of the same disease, P5CS deficiency, in which the dominant mutations cause loss‐of‐function by dominant‐negative mechanisms.
Distinct and shared gene expression for human innate versus adaptive helper lymphoid cells
Authors: Ercolano Giuseppe , Wyss Tania , Salomé Bérengère , Romero Pedro , Trabanelli Sara , Jandus Camilla
Published: February 2020

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are the latest identified innate immune cell family. Given their similarity in transcription factor expression and cytokine secretion profiles, ILCs have been considered as the innate phenocopy of CD4 Th cells. Here, we explored the transcriptome of circulating human ILC subsets as opposed to CD4 Th cell subsets. We describe transcriptomic differences between total ILCs and total CD4 Th cells, as well as between paired innate and adaptive cell subsets (ILC1 vs. Th1; ILC2 vs. Th2; and ILC3 vs. Th17 cells). In particular, we observed differences in expression of genes involved in cell trafficking such as CCR1, CCR6 and CXCR3, innate activation and inhibitory functions, including CD119, 2B4, TIGIT, and CTLA-4, and neuropeptide receptors, such as VIPR2. Moreover, we report for the first time on distinct expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in innate vs. adaptive cells, arguing for a potential role of lncRNA in shaping human ILC biology. Altogether, our results point for unique, rather than redundant gene organization in ILCs compared to CD4 Th cells, in regard to kinetics, fine-tuning and spatial organization of the immune response.
Zonal displacement of the Western North Pacific subtropical high from early to late summer
Authors: Dong Xiao , He Chao
Published: February 2020

The zonal shift in the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) is closely associated with moisture transport in East Asia and is thus an important factor that determines the amount of summer precipitation in the region. Climatologically, the WNPSH retreats eastward from early to late summer. However, there is high variability in the early to late summer shift in the WNPSH from year to year. Thus, the interannual variability in the intraseasonal zonal displacement of WNPSH from early to late summer was examined in this study. The results showed that the intraseasonal shift in the WNPSH from early to late summer was almost unrelated to the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal, although previous studies have claimed that ENSO can modulate the variation in the summer mean WNPSH. More specifically, the El Niño or La Niña years were not predictive of how the WNPSH would shift zonally from early to late summer. Otherwise, the zonal displacements of the WNPSH were more of mid‐latitude origin. In the strongly retreating years (SRY), the mid‐latitude wave train was much more significant than that in the weakly retreating years (WRY). The mid‐latitude wave train was reminiscent of the Silk Road teleconnection pattern (SRP). In the SRY, the centres of the wave trains had opposite signs in early and late summer, which resulted in the opposite features of the WNPSH between early and late summer. The consistency of the three reanalysis datasets confirmed the robustness of our results.
Functional COL1A1 variants are associated with the risk of acute musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries
Authors: Gibbon Andrea , Raleigh Stuart M. , Ribbans William J. , Posthumus Michael , Collins Malcolm , September Alison V.
Published: February 2020

Studies have reported the association of the COL1A1 Sp1 binding site variant (rs1800012) with the risk of acute musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. Interaction with the COL1A1 promoter variant (rs1107946) has also been proposed to modulate acute injury risk. Conversely, neither of these loci have been associated with chronic musculoskeletal soft tissue phenotypes. Therefore, the primary aim of this study involved characterizing these variants in a cohort of participants with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Second, this study aimed to support the contribution of the rs1107946 and rs1800012 variants to the profile predisposing for acute musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries including Achilles tendon and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. A hypothesis‐driven association study was conducted. In total, 295 control participants, 210 participants with clinically diagnosed Achilles tendinopathy, and 72 participants with Achilles tendon ruptures recruited independently from South Africa and the United Kingdom were genotyped for the prioritized variants. In addition, a cohort including 232 control participants and 234 participants with surgically diagnosed ACL ruptures was also analyzed. Although no associations were observed in the recruited cohorts, the rare rs1800012 TT genotype was associated with decreased ACL injury risk when the results from the current study were combined with that from previously published studies (P = .040, OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.0‐11.0). In addition, the G‐T (rs1107946‐rs1800012) inferred haplotype was associated with decreased risk for Achilles tendon ruptures. These results support previous observations and reiterate the heterogeneity of musculoskeletal phenlotypes whereby certain markers may be common to the predisposing profiles while others may be unique.
Effect of Weissella cibaria on the reduction of periodontal tissue destruction in mice
Authors: Kim Jae‐Won , Jung Bo Hyun , Lee Jong Hun , Yoo Ki‐Yeon , Lee Heesu , Kang Mi‐Sun , Lee Jae‐Kwan
Published: February 2020

Background

Periodontitis is associated with dysbiosis of microbial flora in the oral cavity. We evaluated the effects of an oral care probiotic, Weissella cibaria CMU, on periodontal tissue destruction and regulation of inflammatory cytokines in mice with ligature‐induced periodontitis (LIP).

Methods

Fourteen‐day LIP model was used. Ninety animals were randomly divided into six groups: negative control (Ctrl), positive control (LIP/Ctrl), PBS‐treated (LIP/PBS), W. cibaria‐low (1 × 107 colony forming unit (CFU)/d; LIP/WC‐L), W. cibaria‐medium (1 × 108 CFU/d; LIP/WC‐M), and W. cibaria‐high (1 × 109 CFU/d; LIP/WC‐H). After the 14‐day treatment, alveolar bone loss was determined using micro‐computed tomography. The gingival tissue and serum samples from Ctrl, LIP/Ctrl, and LIP/WC‐H groups were immunoassayed for cytokines. Measurements of Porphyromonas gingivalis, total bacteria, and W. cibaria in the gingiva were performed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Mice in the LIP/WC‐H group showed significant reduction in alveolar bone loss at the distal aspect of the ligatured teeth compared to those in the LIP/Ctrl group. There was a dose‐dependent reduction (non‐significant) in periodontal tissue destruction with increased W. cibaria concentration. Pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were significantly lower in LIP/WC‐H than in LIP/Ctrl. The LIP/WC‐H group showed significantly fewer total bacteria compared to the LIP/Ctrl group but it was similar to that in Ctrl groups, and P. gingivalis was not detected in the gingival tissue.

Conclusions

W. cibaria CMU reduces periodontal tissue destruction apparently by regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and by reducing oral bacteria in a model for periodontal disease.
A simple and efficient sample preparation for taxanes in Taxus chinensis needles with natural menthol‐based aqueous deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Fan Xiao‐Hong , Chang Yuan‐Hang , Wang Li‐Tao , Zhu Ya‐Wei , Dong Ming‐Zhu , Lv Mu‐Jie , An Juan‐Yan , Yang Qing , Jiao Jiao , Meng Dong , Fu Yu‐Jie
Published: February 2020

Taxanes are natural anticancer constituents, and the sample preparation from matrix normally depends on organochlorine solvents. In this study, green and natural menthol‐based aqueous deep eutectic solvent was synthesized and used for sample preparation for taxanes. Five key parameters were optimized and the optimal preparation conditions were as follows: menthol/1‐propanol ratio 1:1 (mol/mol), solid–liquid ratio 1:30 g/mL, extraction time 30 min, ultrasonic power 250 W, and water content 80%. Under the above conditions, the total extraction efficiency of seven main taxanes was 1.25‐ to 1.44‐fold to the conventional methods. In addition, a high‐performance liquid chromatography method with C18 column was established for quantitation of seven main taxanes in <25 min, which had excellent linearity (R2 > 0.9986), precision (relative standard deviation < 3.00%), repeatability (relative standard deviation < 3.69%), and recovery (90.26–109.00%). This method performed the extraction, and enrichment processes simultaneously, and it had advantages such as high extraction efficiency, simple operation, low cost, and eco‐friendliness. This work indicated that the natural menthol‐based deep eutectic solvent aqueous could be an excellent alternative to the sample preparation from Taxus or other plants.
Is Habitat Constraining Bighorn Sheep Restoration? A Case Study
Authors: Lula Ethan S. , Lowrey Blake , Proffitt Kelly M. , Litt Andrea R. , Cunningham Julie A. , Butler Carson J. , Garrott Robert A.
Published: February 2020

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) restoration continues to be a challenge throughout western North America despite nearly a century of efforts dedicated to the species' recovery. Though bighorn sheep restoration may be constrained by several environmental factors and behavioral tendencies, areas with unrealized restoration potential may exist if novel restoration strategies are considered. We used global positioning system (GPS) location data from 27 female bighorn sheep within the southern portion of the Madison Range in southwest Montana, USA, 2015–2017, to develop and validate winter and summer habitat models, which we extrapolated throughout the entire Madison Range to identify potential seasonal habitat. We estimated potential bighorn sheep minimum population estimates within the extrapolation area by linking our top‐ranked winter habitat model to population count data. During summer, female bighorn sheep selected areas characterized by rugged and steep terrain, reduced canopy cover, southwestern aspects, and ridgelines. During winter, female bighorn sheep selected areas characterized by low elevations, southwestern aspects, steep slopes, reduced canopy cover, ridgelines, high normalized difference vegetation index amplitude, and areas close to steep terrain. Predicted summer habitat was concentrated along the high‐elevation ridgelines associated with steep slopes and reduced canopy cover. Predicted winter habitat occurred in a non‐contiguous distribution primarily along the low‐elevation, southwest‐facing aspects along the western slopes of the Madison Range. Our results suggest that the Madison Range may be capable of supporting 780–1,730 animals, which is 2–4 times the number of bighorn sheep currently observed within the range. Further, our findings provide managers with a quantification of female bighorn sheep habitat and suggests that a strategy focused on establishing a metapopulation through a series of within‐range translocations may enhance bighorn sheep restoration. We suggest that similar restoration opportunities may be common in other unoccupied areas of bighorn sheep historical range. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Cellulose Nanocrystals Extracted from Grape Pomace with Deep Eutectic Solvents and Application for Self‐Healing Nanocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: Wu Ruiyue , Liu Kaiyue , Ren Juanjuan , Yu Zhiwei , Zhang Yingnan , Bai Liangjiu , Wang Wenxiang , Chen Hou , Yang Huawei
Published: February 2020

In the progress of red‐winemaking, eco‐friendly, facile, and efficient reutilization of grape pomace is an important issue for sustainable industrial processes. In this manuscript, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as extensive and expensive nanomaterials, are efficiently extracted from grape pomace by using deep eutectic solvents. Moreover, the obtained CNCs as the renewable reinforcing agent are successfully fabricated of self‐healing nanocomposite hydrogels. The self‐healing (93.5%) and mechanical strength (4.77 MPa) in hydrogels are outstandingly improved by the addition of functional CNCs, in which abundant carboxyl functional groups are modified by in situ esterification in the process of extracting CNCs. Importantly, these strain‐sensitive and self‐healing nanocomposite hydrogels can be further used as flexible strain sensors to detect human motion.
Tumor immune microenvironment in head and neck cancers
Authors: Chen Samantha M. Y. , Krinsky Alexandra L. , Woolaver Rachel A. , Wang Xiaoguang , Chen Zhangguo , Wang Jing H.
Published: February 2020

Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous group of tumors that are highly aggressive and collectively represent the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Ninety percent of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCCs consists of many different subsets of cells that infiltrate the tumors and interact with the tumor cells or with each other through various networks. Both innate and adaptive immune cells play a crucial role in mediating immune surveillance and controlling tumor growth. Here, we discuss the different subsets of immune cells and how they contribute to an immunosuppressive TME of HNSCCs. We also briefly summarize recent advances in immunotherapeutic approaches for HNSCC treatment. A better understanding of the multiple factors that play pivotal roles in HNSCC tumorigenesis and tumor progression may help define novel targets to develop more effective immunotherapies for patients with HNSCC.
Evaluating Population Recovery Characteristics and Potential Recovery Actions for a Long-Lived Protected Species: A Case History of Gulf Sturgeon in the Apalachicola River
Authors: Flowers H. Jared , Pine William E. , van Poorten Brett T. , Camp Edward V.
Published: February 2020

In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi supported an intense and short-lived commercial fishery in the early twentieth century. Thereafter, it persisted at very low levels until the fishery was closed by individual U.S. states in the Gulf of Mexico region in the mid-1980s. Despite the closure of the fishery, the stock has not recovered and there have been threats to population recovery including the potential effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, storm events, and harmful algal blooms. We developed an age-structured population model for Gulf Sturgeon to examine their population recovery characteristics. We paired this model with simple population reference points to assess the factors that influence the population recovery rate and strategies that resource managers could adopt to promote the recovery of the species. We used the Gulf Sturgeon population in the Apalachicola River as a case history and the date of 2023 that has been identified in Gulf Sturgeon Recovery Plan (GSRP) as the point at which to evaluate recovery, and under current management we predict that (1) age-4+ Gulf Sturgeon (fish 4 years of age and older) will be approaching 50% of current estimated carrying capacity; (2) the dynamic spawning potential ratio is likely >0.3, suggesting a low chance of recruitment overfishing; (3) the population age structure is likely slowly recovering; (4) the recovery of the Gulf Sturgeon population is sensitive to increases in total mortality; and (5) the estimated values for exploitation rate (UMSY) and biomass at maximum sustainable yield (BMSY) are about 0.058 and 1,859 kg (or <200 age-4+ fish per year [age-4 and older fish]), respectively. Our results demonstrate the relative efficacy and influence of various recovery efforts and threats, respectively, and demonstrate that “recovery” is much different when it is based on historic versus currently available habitat. These model results provide reference points for comparing field assessments as part of the planned restoration efforts and upcoming population status reviews for Gulf Sturgeon that are funded as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
A real options approach to optimal bidding in construction projects considering volume uncertainty
Authors: Ribeiro João Adelino , Pereira Paulo Jorge , Brandão Elisio Moreira
Published: February 2020

Building on the numerical solution by Ribeiro et al. (2108), this paper proposes a model to assess the impact of volume uncertainty on construction projects' value and on the optimal bidding price. The model's outcome is the threshold amount for the incremental investment that managers have to undertake in order to resolve the uncertainty regarding the volume of work to be performed. Any amount of investment below the threshold will add value to the project and produces a more competitive bid price. A numerical example is presented, and a sensitivity analysis is performed to the model's most relevant components.
RETRACTED: Genetic diversity and phylogenetic structure of four Tibeto‐Burman‐speaking populations in Tibetan‐Yi corridor revealed by insertion/deletion polymorphisms
Authors: Zou Xing , He Guanglin , Wang Mengge , Huo Liwen , Chen Xu , Liu Jing , Wang Shouyu , Ye Ziwei , Wang Fei , Wang Zheng , Hou Yiping
Published: February 2020

Background

Insertion/deletion polymorphisms (InDels), combined with all the desirable features of both short tandem repeat and single nucleotide polymorphism, have been used in archaeological and anthropological research, population genetics and forensic application.

Methods

Thirty InDels in 530 individuals residing in the Tibetan‐Yi corridor (142 Dujiangyan Tibetans, 164 Muli Tibetans, 187 Xichang Yis, and 37 Yanyuan Mosuos) were genotyped using the Investigator DIPplex. Forensic parameters and allele frequency spectrum were calculated. Genetic relationships between the investigated populations and worldwide and nationwide populations were assessed based on both the allele frequency distribution and genotype data.

Results

The combined powers of exclusion were 0.9807 (Dujiangyan Tibetan), 0.9880 (Muli Tibetan), 0.9852 (Xichang Yi) and 0.9892 (Yanyuan Mosuo). The combined powers of discrimination were 0.999999999983 (Dujiangyan Tibetan), 0.999999999942 (Muli Tibetan), 0.999999999982 (Xichang Yi) and 0.999999999962 (Yanyuan Mosuo), respectively. The comprehensive population comparisons among worldwide and nationwide populations uniformly illustrated that the investigated populations have a genetically closer relationship with Tibeto‐Burman‐speaking populations and geographically adjacent populations.

Conclusion

These 30 loci can be regarded as an efficient genetic tool in forensic individual identification and as a supplementary tool in paternity testing in Dujiangyan Tibetan, Muli Tibetan, Xichang Yi, and Yanyuan Mosuo. The genetic proximity between the four populations in the Tibetan‐Yi corridor and other populations is strongly correlated with the linguistic origin and geographical distance.
LungRegNet: An unsupervised deformable image registration method for 4D‐CT lung
Authors: Fu Yabo , Lei Yang , Wang Tonghe , Higgins Kristin , Bradley Jeffrey D. , Curran Walter J. , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To develop an accurate and fast deformable image registration (DIR) method for four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D‐CT) lung images. Deep learning‐based methods have the potential to quickly predict the deformation vector field (DVF) in a few forward predictions. We have developed an unsupervised deep learning method for 4D‐CT lung DIR with excellent performances in terms of registration accuracies, robustness, and computational speed.

Methods

A fast and accurate 4D‐CT lung DIR method, namely LungRegNet, was proposed using deep learning. LungRegNet consists of two subnetworks which are CoarseNet and FineNet. As the name suggests, CoarseNet predicts large lung motion on a coarse scale image while FineNet predicts local lung motion on a fine scale image. Both the CoarseNet and FineNet include a generator and a discriminator. The generator was trained to directly predict the DVF to deform the moving image. The discriminator was trained to distinguish the deformed images from the original images. CoarseNet was first trained to deform the moving images. The deformed images were then used by the FineNet for FineNet training. To increase the registration accuracy of the LungRegNet, we generated vessel‐enhanced images by generating pulmonary vasculature probability maps prior to the network prediction.

Results

We performed fivefold cross validation on ten 4D‐CT datasets from our department. To compare with other methods, we also tested our method using separate 10 DIRLAB datasets that provide 300 manual landmark pairs per case for target registration error (TRE) calculation. Our results suggested that LungRegNet has achieved better registration accuracy in terms of TRE than other deep learning‐based methods available in the literature on DIRLAB datasets. Compared to conventional DIR methods, LungRegNet could generate comparable registration accuracy with TRE smaller than 2 mm. The integration of both the discriminator and pulmonary vessel enhancements into the network was crucial to obtain high registration accuracy for 4D‐CT lung DIR. The mean and standard deviation of TRE were 1.00 ± 0.53 mm and 1.59 ± 1.58 mm on our datasets and DIRLAB datasets respectively.

Conclusions

An unsupervised deep learning‐based method has been developed to rapidly and accurately register 4D‐CT lung images. LungRegNet has outperformed its deep‐learning‐based peers and achieved excellent registration accuracy in terms of TRE.
A convolutional neural network‐based model observer for breast CT images
Authors: Kim Gihun , Han Minah , Shim Hyunjung , Baek Jongduk
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In this paper, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based efficient model observer for breast computed tomography (CT) images.

Methods

We first showed that the CNN‐based model observer provided similar detection performance to the ideal observer (IO) for signal‐known‐exactly and background‐known‐exactly detection tasks with an uncorrelated Gaussian background noise image. We then demonstrated that a single‐layer CNN without a nonlinear activation function provided similar detection performance in breast CT images to the Hotelling observer (HO). To train the CNN‐based model observer, we generated simulated breast CT images to produce a training dataset in which different background noise structures were generated using filtered back projection with a ramp, or a Hanning weighted ramp, filter. Circular, elliptical, and spiculated signals were used for the detection tasks. The optimal depth and the number of channels for the CNN‐based model observer were determined for each task. The detection performances of the HO and a channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) with Laguerre‐Gauss (LG) and partial least squares (PLS) channels were also estimated for comparison.

Results

The results showed that the CNN‐based model observer provided higher detection performance than the HO, LG‐CHO, and PLS‐CHO for all tasks. In addition, it was shown that the proposed CNN‐based model observer provided higher detection performance than the HO using a smaller training dataset.

Conclusions

In the presence of nonlinearity in the CNN, the proposed CNN‐based model observer showed better performance than other linear observers.
The extracellular calcium‐sensing receptor promotes porcine egg activation via calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II
Authors: Liu Cong , Liu Huage , Luo Yan , Lu Tengfei , Fu Xiangwei , Cui Sheng , Zhu Shien , Hou Yunpeng
Published: February 2020

Extracellular calcium is required for intracellular Ca2+ oscillations needed for egg activation, but the regulatory mechanism is still poorly understood. The present study was designed to demonstrate the function of calcium‐sensing receptor (CASR), which could recognize extracellular calcium as first messenger, during porcine egg activation. CASR expression was markedly upregulated following egg activation. Functionally, the addition of CASR agonist NPS R‐568 significantly enhanced pronuclear formation rate, while supplementation of CASR antagonist NPS2390 compromised egg activation. There was no change in NPS R‐568 group compared with control group when the egg activation was performed without extracellular calcium addition. The addition of NPS2390 precluded the activation‐dependent [Ca2+]i rise. When egg activation was conducted in intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA‐AM and NPS R‐568 containing medium, CASR function was abolished. Meanwhile, CASR activation increased the level of the [Ca2+]i effector p‐CAMKII, and the presence of KN‐93, an inhibitor of CAMKII, significantly reduced the CASR‐mediated increasement of pronuclear formation rate. Furthermore, the increase of CASR expression following activation was reversed by inhibiting CAMKII activity, supporting a positive feedback loop between CAMKII and CASR. Altogether, these findings provide a new pathway of egg activation about CASR, as the extracellular Ca2+ effector, promotes egg activation via its downstream effector and upstream regulator CAMKII.
Deep learning–based MR fingerprinting ASL ReconStruction (DeepMARS)
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Su Pan , Chen Zhensen , Liao Ying , Chen Shuo , Guo Rui , Qi Haikun , Li Xuesong , Zhang Xue , Hu Zhangxuan , Lu Hanzhang , Chen Huijun
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To develop a reproducible and fast method to reconstruct MR fingerprinting arterial spin labeling (MRF‐ASL) perfusion maps using deep learning.

Method

A fully connected neural network, denoted as DeepMARS, was trained using simulation data and added Gaussian noise. Two MRF‐ASL models were used to generate the simulation data, specifically a single‐compartment model with 4 unknowns parameters and a two‐compartment model with 7 unknown parameters. The DeepMARS method was evaluated using MRF‐ASL data from healthy subjects (N = 7) and patients with Moymoya disease (N = 3). Computation time, coefficient of determination (R2), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were compared between DeepMARS and conventional dictionary matching (DM). The relationship between DeepMARS and Look–Locker PASL was evaluated by a linear mixed model.

Results

Computation time per voxel was <0.5 ms for DeepMARS and >4 seconds for DM in the single‐compartment model. Compared with DM, the DeepMARS showed higher R2 and significantly improved ICC for single‐compartment derived bolus arrival time (BAT) and two‐compartment derived cerebral blood flow (CBF) and higher or similar R2/ICC for other parameters. In addition, the DeepMARS was significantly correlated with Look–Locker PASL for BAT (single‐compartment) and CBF (two‐compartment). Moreover, for Moyamoya patients, the location of diminished CBF and prolonged BAT shown in DeepMARS was consistent with the position of occluded arteries shown in time‐of‐flight MR angiography.

Conclusion

Reconstruction of MRF‐ASL with DeepMARS is faster and more reproducible than DM.
Non‐contrast‐enhanced abdominal MRA at 3 T using velocity‐selective pulse trains
Authors: Zhu Dan , Li Wenbo , Liu Dapeng , Liu Guanshu , Pei Yigang , Shin Taehoon , Sedaghat Farzad , Qin Qin
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Most existing non‐contrast‐enhanced methods for abdominal MR arteriography rely on a spatially selective inversion (SSI) pulse with a delay to null both static tissue and venous blood, and are limited to small spatial coverage due to the sensitivity to slow arterial inflow. Velocity‐selective inversion (VSI) based approach has been shown to preserve the arterial blood inside the imaging volume at 1.5 T. Recently, velocity‐selective saturation (VSS) pulse trains were applied to suppress the static tissue and have been combined with SSI pulses for cerebral MR arteriography at 3 T. The aim of this study is to construct an abdominal MRA protocol with large spatial coverage at 3 T using advanced velocity‐selective pulse trains.

Methods

Multiple velocity‐selective MRA protocols with different sequence modules and 3D acquisition methods were evaluated. Sequences using VSS only as well as SSI+VSS and VSI+VSS preparations were then compared among a group of healthy young and middle‐aged volunteers. Using MRA without any preparations as reference, relative signal ratios and relative contrast ratios of different vascular segments were quantitatively analyzed.

Results

Both SSI+VSS and VSI+VSS arteriograms achieved high artery‐to‐tissue and artery‐to‐vein relative contrast ratios above aortic bifurcation. The SSI+VSS sequence yielded lower signal at the bilateral iliac arteries than VSI+VSS, reflecting the benefit of the VSI preparation for imaging the distal branches.

Conclusion

The feasibility of noncontrast 3D MR abdominal arteriography was demonstrated on healthy volunteers using a combination of VSS pulse trains and SSI or VSI pulse.