bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An intronic promoter controls the expression of truncated human γ‐glutamyltransferase mRNAs1
Authors: Leh Hervé , Chikhi Naı̈ma , Ichino Kazuhiko , Guellaën Georges , Wellman Maria , Siest Gérard , Visvikis Athanase
Published: July 2002

We have identified and characterized a genomic DNA fragment containing the coding sequences corresponding to the human γ‐glutamyltransferase type 1 mRNA. The coding part of the gene spans over 16 kb and comprises 12 exons and 11 introns exhibiting a similar organization as for the mouse and rat GGT genes. The exons 1–7 encode the heavy subunit whereas exons 8–12 which encode the carboxy‐terminal part of the heavy subunit (exon 8) and the light subunit are clustered in a 1.6‐kb BglII fragment. Exons 7 and 8 are separated by a 3.9‐kb intron containing in its 3′ part the sequences corresponding to the 5′‐UTRs of the truncated GGT mRNAs described for human lung. Sequence analysis upstream this transcribed region exhibited putative promoter sequences and after transient transfection significant promoter activities were measured in V79 lung fibroblasts and KYN‐2 hepatoma cells but not in A2780 ovarian cells. This specificity disappeared when only 550 bp upstream the transcription start site were used as promoter. These results argue for a promoter of truncated GGT mRNAs in intron 7, specifically regulated in human tissues.
Domain IV of elongation factor G from Thermus thermophilus is strictly required for translocation
Authors: Martemyanov Kirill A , Gudkov Anatoly T
Published: July 2002

Two truncated variants of elongation factor G from Thermus thermophilus with deletion of its domain IV have been constructed and the mutated genes were expressed in Escherichia coli. The truncated factors were produced in a soluble form and retained a high thermostability. It was demonstrated that mutated factors possessed (1) a reduced affinity to the ribosomes with an uncleavable GTP analog and (2) a specific ribosome‐dependent GTPase activity. At the same time, in contrast to the wild‐type elongation factor G, they were incapable to promote translocation. The conclusions are drawn that (1) domain IV is not involved in the GTPase activity of elongation factor G, (2) it contributes to the binding of elongation factor G with the ribosome and (3) is strictly required for translocation. These results suggest that domain IV might be directly involved in translocation and GTPase activity of the factor is not directly coupled with translocation.
Functional expression of the Na/K pump is controlled via a cyclosporin A‐sensitive signalling pathway in activated human lymphocytes
Authors: Marakhova I.I , Ivanova A.E , Toropova F.V , Vereninov A.A , Vinogradova T.A
Published: July 2002

An immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (CsA) inhibits T‐cell proliferation by blocking the nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT) required for expression of the interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) gene. This work has demonstrated for the first time that in human blood lymphocytes (HBLs) activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), CsA at anti‐proliferative doses inhibits the late sustained increase in ouabain‐sensitive Rb(K) influxes, which accompanies the growth phase of G0/G1/S transition. CsA affects neither the initial, transient activation of the pump in response to PHA nor the ouabain‐resistant ion fluxes during cell cycle progression. When the HBLs were rendered competent to proliferate by phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate ester and ionomycin in the presence of CsA, the exogenous IL‐2 did not bypass the initial inhibitory effect of CsA on the long‐term pump enhancement. When applied after the competence induction, CsA produced no effect on the sustained increase in ouabain‐sensitive Rb influxes during the IL‐2‐induced progression phase. These results indicate that in activated HBLs, (1) IL‐2 is involved in functional expression of the Na/K pump during cell transition from quiescence to proliferation, (2) the cell cycle‐associated upregulation of the pump is related to a CsA‐sensitive signalling pathway.
The technocratic, humanistic, and holistic paradigms of childbirth
Authors: Davis‐Floyd R
Published: July 2002

This article describes three paradigms of health care that heavily influence contemporary childbirth, most particularly in the west, but increasingly around the world: the technocratic, humanistic, and holistic models of medicine. These models differ fundamentally in their definitions of the body and its relationship to the mind, and thus in the health care approaches they charter. The technocratic model stresses mind–body separation and sees the body as a machine; the humanistic model emphasizes mind–body connection and defines the body as an organism; the holistic model insists on the oneness of body, mind, and spirit and defines the body as an energy field in constant interaction with other energy fields. Based on many years of research into contemporary childbirth, most especially through interviews with physicians, midwives, nurses, and mothers, this article seeks to describe the 12 tenets of each paradigm as they apply to contemporary obstetrical and health care, and to point out their futuristic implications. I suggest that practitioners who combine elements of all three paradigms have a unique opportunity to create the most effective obstetrical system ever known.
Challenges and opportunities for donors in reducing maternal death and morbidity: lessons from the PMM experience
Authors: Richardson Y.C
Published: July 2002

The experience of the PMM Network offers several insights for donors seeking to work on maternal mortality, particularly in Africa where the risk of maternal death is highest. First, the projects provide evidence that multidisciplinary operations research can result in the development and implementation of successful, relatively low‐cost interventions. In addition, the work of PMM highlights the need for greater donor funding to build and support partnerships — to include researchers, communities and policymakers — that enhance sustainability of efforts. Finally, the work of the teams confirms the benefits of donor commitment to building local capacity. © 1997 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Decay estimates for the critical semilinear wave equation
Authors: Bahouri Hajer , Shatah Jalal
Published: July 2002

In this paper we prove that finite energy solutions (with added regularity) to the critical wave equation

\Box u + u^5 = 0

on

ℝ^3

decay to zero in time. The proof is based on a global space-time estimate and dilation identity.

Dans cet article, on montre que les solutions à énergie finie (avec régularité ajoutée) de l’équation des ondes critique

\Box u + u^5 = 0

, dans

ℝ^3

décroissent vers zéro en temps. La démonstration est basée sur une estimée temps-espace globale et une identité de dilatation.
Psychological autopsy studies – a review
Authors: Isometsä E.T.
Published: July 2002

Psychological autopsy is one of the most valuable tools of research on completed suicide. The method involves collecting all available information on the deceased via structured interviews of family members, relatives or friends as well as attending health care personnel. In addition, information is collected from available health care and psychiatric records, other documents, and forensic examination. Thus a psychological autopsy synthesizes the information from multiple informants and records. The early generation of psychological autopsies established that more than 90% of completed suicides have suffered from usually co-morbid mental disorders, most of them mood disorders and/or substance use disorders. Furthermore, they revealed the remarkable undertreatment of these mental disorders, often despite contact with psychiatric or other health care services. More recent psychological autopsy studies have mostly used case-control designs, thus having been better able to estimate the role of various risk factors for suicide. The future psychological autopsy studies may be more focused on interactions between risk factors or risk factor domains, focused on some specific suicide populations of major interest for suicide prevention, or combined psychological autopsy methodology with biological measurements.
Measuring disability in subjects with anxiety disorders
Authors: Placchi M
Published: July 2002

Subjects with anxiety disorders display substantial disabilities in
health-related quality of life. The Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) and SF-36
Questionnaire (SF-36) have been administered to subjects with anxiety
disorders participating in psychopharmacology clinical trials and
observational studies to evaluate their impaired functioning. The SDS does
not address and does not include all the disabilities important to subjects
with anxiety disorders and susceptible to being affected by drugs with
anxiolytic effects, all of which are associated with significant problems.
As a single-state-in-time rating, the SDS is often inadequate to discern
subtle, but important,changes which may occur between measurements. The
SF-36 as a measure of health status can, on the other hand, assess only the
patient's behavior most directly affected by the disorder and treatment. As
a result, the SF-36 enables the differentiation of functioning and
well-being of subjects with anxiety disorders from diverse populations.
There is little documentary evidence that demonstrates the value and actual
performance of the SDS and SF-36 for the intended purpose. In the absence of
a general consensus concerning operational definition, the measurement of
disability in this patient population with these scales may be obsolete.
There is the need for more specific and simple instruments capable to assess
the distinct pattern of impairment associated with subjects with anxiety
disorders.
Pain Scores in Geriatric vs Nongeriatric Patients With Rib Fractures
Authors: Choi Jeff , Khan Suleman , Zamary Kirellos , Tennakoon Lakshika , Spain David A.
Published: July 2020

This research study compares the self-reported pain levels of geriatric vs nongeriatric patients with rib fractures.
Delamination‐Free Functional Graphene Surface by Multiscale, Conformal Wrinkling
Authors: Hu Kai‐Ming , Liu Yun‐Qi , Zhou Liang‐Wei , Xue Zhong‐Ying , Peng Bo , Yan Han , Di Zeng‐Feng , Jiang Xue‐Song , Meng Guang , Zhang Wen‐Ming
Published: July 2020

Obtaining a delamination‐free wrinkled functional graphene surface in layered systems is an interesting challenge because the interface is usually too weak to withstand interfacial stress mismatch, which can trigger mechanical instability. In this paper, a general strategy is proposed toward addressing the delamination limitation imposed by fabricating conformal graphene wrinkles with bilayer systems of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). To improve the interfacial strength, a postcuring transfer process is introduced to form a gradient interface layer without interfacial liquid between the PMMA and PDMS by entanglement of polymer chains during high‐temperature curing. Compared to the conventional wet transfer of graphene,the transfer method can greatly enhance the interfacial strength. The chemical and mechanical mechanisms underlying the enhancement are revealed both experimentally and theoretically in terms of the transition from the buckled‐induced delamination state to the delamination‐free wrinkled state. Moreover, the light diffraction behaviors of multiscale graphene wrinkles are initially demonstrated to be an interesting continuous pattern induced by overlapping. The delamination‐free conformal wrinkled functional graphene surface can provide valuable insight and design guidelines for the fundamental problems of deformed graphene and its applications in flexible functional devices.
3D Two‐Photon Microprinting of Nanoporous Architectures
Authors: Mayer Frederik , Ryklin Daniel , Wacker Irene , Curticean Ronald , Čalkovský Martin , Niemeyer Andreas , Dong Zheqin , Levkin Pavel A. , Gerthsen Dagmar , Schröder Rasmus R. , Wegener Martin
Published: July 2020

A photoresist system for 3D two‐photon microprinting is presented, which enables the printing of inherently nanoporous structures with mean pore sizes around 50 nm by means of self‐organization on the nanoscale. A phase separation between polymerizable and chemically inert photoresist components leads to the formation of 3D co‐continuous structures. Subsequent washing‐out of the unpolymerized phase reveals the porous polymer structures. To characterize the volume properties of the printed structures, scanning electron microscopy images are recorded from ultramicrotome sections. In addition, the light‐scattering properties of the 3D‐printed material are analyzed. By adjusting the printing parameters, the porosity can be controlled during 3D printing. As an application example, a functioning miniaturized Ulbricht light‐collection sphere is 3D printed and tested.
Can Environmental Manipulation Help Suppress Cancer? Non‐Linear Competition Among Tumor Cells in Periodically Changing Conditions
Authors: Babajanyan S. G. , Koonin Eugene V. , Cheong Kang Hao
Published: July 2020

It has been shown that the tumor population growth dynamics in a periodically varying environment can drastically differ from the one in a fixed environment. Thus, the environment of a tumor can potentially be manipulated to suppress cancer progression. Diverse evolutionary processes play vital roles in cancer progression and accordingly, understanding the interplay between these processes is essential in optimizing the treatment strategy. Somatic evolution and genetic instability result in intra‐tumor cell heterogeneity. Various models have been developed to analyze the interactions between different types of tumor cells. Here, models of density‐dependent interaction between different types of tumor cells under fast periodical environmental changes are examined. It is illustrated that tumor population densities, which vary on a slow time scale, are affected by fast environmental variations. Finally, the intriguing density‐dependent interactions in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in which the different types of tumor cells are defined with respect to the production of and dependence on testosterone are discussed.
Machine Learning Magnetic Parameters from Spin Configurations
Authors: Wang Dingchen , Wei Songrui , Yuan Anran , Tian Fanghua , Cao Kaiyan , Zhao Qizhong , Zhang Yin , Zhou Chao , Song Xiaoping , Xue Dezhen , Yang Sen
Published: July 2020

Hamiltonian parameters estimation is crucial in condensed matter physics, but is time‐ and cost‐consuming. High‐resolution images provide detailed information of underlying physics, but extracting Hamiltonian parameters from them is difficult due to the huge Hilbert space. Here, a protocol for Hamiltonian parameters estimation from images based on a machine learning (ML) architecture is provided. It consists in learning a mapping between spin configurations and Hamiltonian parameters from a small amount of simulated images, applying the trained ML model to a single unexplored experimental image to estimate its key parameters, and predicting the corresponding materials properties by a physical model. The efficiency of the approach is demonstrated by reproducing the same spin configuration as the experimental one and predicting the coercive field, the saturation field, and even the volume of the experiment specimen accurately. The proposed approach paves a way to achieve a stable and efficient parameters estimation.
Turfgrass performance of perennial wheatgrass species when grown as monocultures and mixtures
Authors: Robins Joseph G. , Bushman B. Shaun
Published: July 2020

Perennial wheatgrasses are cool‐season Triticeae species native to arid and semi‐arid regions of the world. Due to their inherent drought tolerance and summer dormancy, they have potential in low‐ to no‐maintenance turf situations. However, there is an underlying need to understand and improve their turf quality and density in order to broaden their acceptance. This study evaluated the turfgrass performance of populations of crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.], intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey], thickspike wheatgrass [Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould], and western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) Á. Löve] in monoculture and in two‐ and three‐way mixtures with Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey). Plots were seeded at a Millville, UT, field site in 2016 and evaluated under two irrigation levels (no irrigation and 50% evapotranspiration replacement) and two mowing heights (51 and 76 cm) during 2017 and 2018. In each year eight evaluations (approximately biweekly) of coverage, dark green color index, density, uniformity, and quality were conducted using digital imagery and then averaged across years. Other than turfgrass quality under mowing height, there were significant differences (P < .0001) between irrigation levels and mowing heights and among turfgrass entries for each trait. All perennial wheatgrass monocultures possessed low density and coverage but showed relatively higher dark green color index compared with the Kentucky bluegrass and hard fescue checks. Mixtures, particularly with Kentucky bluegrass, resulted in substantial improvement in coverage and density.
Genetic analysis of safflower populations under water stress and nonstress conditions
Authors: Alizadeh Yeloojeh Khadijeh , Saeidi Ghodratollah
Published: July 2020

An important target in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) breeding programs is its genetic improvement aimed at enhancing drought tolerance. The present experiment was carried out to study the combining ability and the nature of gene action for agronomic and physiological traits in safflower populations under water stress and non‐stress conditions. In this study, 28 entries (21 F2 populations derived from a half‐diallel cross along with their seven parental lines) were evaluated under the above conditions. The interactions of general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) with irrigation regimes were significant for the measured traits. A higher ratio of GCA/SCA effects (>0.70) for all the traits under both conditions indicated the greater importance of additive gene effects for their genetic control. The parental lines C129 and K115 were identified as superior general combiners for high seed yield (367.4 and 228.4 under nonstress; 166.1 and 175.2 under stress), and the parental line Saffire showed a good GCA for early maturity (–3.36 and –2.69, respectively, under nonstress and stress conditions). It may, therefore, be claimed that these parents can be beneficially exploited as the genetic materials in safflower breeding programs to improve seed yield, early maturity, and developing drought‐tolerant cultivars.
A Surface‐Oxide‐Rich Activation Layer (SOAL) on Ni2Mo3N for a Rapid and Durable Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yuan Yao , Adimi Samira , Guo Xuyun , Thomas Tiju , Zhu Ye , Guo Haichuan , Priyanga G. Sudha , Yoo Pilsun , Wang Jiacheng , Chen Jian , Liao Peilin , Attfield J. Paul , Yang Minghui
Published: July 2020

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is key to renewable energy technologies such as water electrolysis and metal–air batteries. However, the multiple steps associated with proton‐coupled electron transfer result in sluggish OER kinetics and catalysts are required. Here we demonstrate that a novel nitride, Ni2Mo3N, is a highly active OER catalyst that outperforms the benchmark material RuO2. Ni2Mo3N exhibits a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a nominal overpotential of 270 mV in 0.1 m KOH with outstanding catalytic cyclability and durability. Structural characterization and computational studies reveal that the excellent activity stems from the formation of a surface‐oxide‐rich activation layer (SOAL). Secondary Mo atoms on the surface act as electron pumps that stabilize oxygen‐containing species and facilitate the continuity of the reactions. This discovery will stimulate the further development of ternary nitrides with oxide surface layers as efficient OER catalysts for electrochemical energy devices.
σ‐Aromaticity‐Induced Stabilization of Heterometallic Supertetrahedral Clusters [Zn6Ge16]4− and [Cd6Ge16]4−
Authors: Xu Hong‐Lei , Popov Ivan A. , Tkachenko Nikolay V. , Wang Zi‐Chuan , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Sun Zhong‐Ming
Published: July 2020

In this work, the largest heterometallic supertetrahedral clusters, [Zn6Ge16]4− and [Cd6Ge16]4−, were directly self‐assembled through highly‐charged [Ge4]4− units and transition metal cations, in which 3‐center–2‐electron σ bonding in Ge2Zn or Ge2Cd triangles plays a vital role in the stabilization of the whole structure. The cluster structures have an open framework with a large central cavity of diameter 4.6 Å for Zn and 5.0 Å for Cd, respectively. Time‐dependent HRESI‐MS spectra show that the larger clusters grow from smaller components with a single [Ge4]4− and ZnMes2 units. Calculations performed at the DFT level indicate a very large HOMO–LUMO energy gap in [M6Ge16]4− (2.22 eV), suggesting high kinetic stability that may offer opportunities in materials science. These observations offer a new strategy for the assembly of heterometallic clusters with high symmetry.
Cs[Cl3F10]: A Propeller‐Shaped [Cl3F10]− Anion in a Peculiar A[5]B[5] Structure Type
Authors: Scheibe Benjamin , Karttunen Antti J. , Müller Ulrich , Kraus Florian
Published: July 2020

Reaction of CsF with ClF3 leads to Cs[Cl3F10]. It contains a molecular, propeller‐shaped [Cl3F10]− anion with a central μ3‐F atom and three T‐shaped ClF3 molecules coordinated to it. This anion represents the first example of a heteropolyhalide anion of higher ClF3 content than [ClF4]− and is the first Cl‐containing interhalogen species with a μ‐bridging F atom. The chemical bonds to the central μ3‐F atom are highly ionic and quite weak as the bond lengths within the coordinating XF3 units (X = Cl, and also calculated for Br, I) are almost unchanged in comparison to free XF3 molecules. Cs[Cl3F10] crystallizes in a very rarely observed A[5]B[5] structure type, where cations and anions are each pseudohexagonally close packed, and reside, each with coordination number five, in the trigonal bipyramidal voids of the other.
Reduction of Aldehydes with Formic acid in Ethanol using Immobilized Iridium Nanoparticles on a Triazine‐phosphanimine Polymeric Organic Support
Authors: Panahi Farhad , Haghighi Fatemeh , Khalafi‐Nezhad Ali
Published: July 2020

A novel triazine‐phosphanimine polymeric organic support (TPA) was synthesized successfully by a controllable one‐pot method using melamine (1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triamine) and trichlorophosphane (PCl3). The TPA substrate is a material incorporating P and N atoms which can coordinate with metals as a pincer ligand to stabilize them, providing an efficient heterogeneous support to prepare recyclable transition metal catalyst systems. In this study, TPA was used as support to immobilize iridium nanoparticles in the range of ~8 nm on its surface, resulting in the generation of a novel iridium nanocatalyst system (INP‐TPA‐POP). This catalyst system was characterized using different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as FT‐IR, TEM, XPS, XRD, SEM, EDX, elemental analysis, ICP and BET analysis. The INP‐TPA‐POP nanocatalyst exhibited remarkable activity in reduction of aldehydes to alcohols using formic acids as reducing agent in ethanol as solvent.
Girls' access to adolescent friendly sexual and reproductive health services in Kaski, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Sunita , Wærdahl Randi
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore the limitations to girls' access to adolescent friendly sexual and reproductive health services in public health institutions in Kaski, Nepal. Seven interviews with health workers and eight group interviews with adolescent girls are analysed using the conceptual framework of access to health care by Levesque, Harris, and Russell and an understanding of gender as embedded in all matters and choices concerning sexual and reproductive health. We find that girls demonstrate poor literacy about sexual and reproductive health, and that most challenges and barriers occur before girls reach health institutions. The strict gender norms, stigmatisation and lack of autonomy are the highest barriers for adolescent girls in seeking care. We find that health institutions are not adolescent friendly and have a passive outreach strategy.
Generating segmentation masks of herbarium specimens and a data set for training segmentation models using deep learning
Authors: White Alexander E. , Dikow Rebecca B. , Baugh Makinnon , Jenkins Abigail , Frandsen Paul B.
Published: July 2020

Premise

Digitized images of herbarium specimens are highly diverse with many potential sources of visual noise and bias. The systematic removal of noise and minimization of bias must be achieved in order to generate biological insights based on the plants rather than the digitization and mounting practices involved. Here, we develop a workflow and data set of high‐resolution image masks to segment plant tissues in herbarium specimen images and remove background pixels using deep learning.

Methods and Results

We generated 400 curated, high‐resolution masks of ferns using a combination of automatic and manual tools for image manipulation. We used those images to train a U‐Net‐style deep learning model for image segmentation, achieving a final Sørensen–Dice coefficient of 0.96. The resulting model can automatically, efficiently, and accurately segment massive data sets of digitized herbarium specimens, particularly for ferns.

Conclusions

The application of deep learning in herbarium sciences requires transparent and systematic protocols for generating training data so that these labor‐intensive resources can be generalized to other deep learning applications. Segmentation ground‐truth masks are hard‐won data, and we share these data and the model openly in the hopes of furthering model training and transfer learning opportunities for broader herbarium applications.
A new fine‐grained method for automated visual analysis of herbarium specimens: A case study for phenological data extraction
Authors: Goëau Hervé , Mora‐Fallas Adán , Champ Julien , Love Natalie L. Rossington , Mazer Susan J. , Mata‐Montero Erick , Joly Alexis , Bonnet Pierre
Published: July 2020

Premise

Herbarium specimens represent an outstanding source of material with which to study plant phenological changes in response to climate change. The fine‐scale phenological annotation of such specimens is nevertheless highly time consuming and requires substantial human investment and expertise, which are difficult to rapidly mobilize.

Methods

We trained and evaluated new deep learning models to automate the detection, segmentation, and classification of four reproductive structures of Streptanthus tortuosus (flower buds, flowers, immature fruits, and mature fruits). We used a training data set of 21 digitized herbarium sheets for which the position and outlines of 1036 reproductive structures were annotated manually. We adjusted the hyperparameters of a mask R‐CNN (regional convolutional neural network) to this specific task and evaluated the resulting trained models for their ability to count reproductive structures and estimate their size.

Results

The main outcome of our study is that the performance of detection and segmentation can vary significantly with: (i) the type of annotations used for training, (ii) the type of reproductive structures, and (iii) the size of the reproductive structures. In the case of Streptanthus tortuosus, the method can provide quite accurate estimates (77.9% of cases) of the number of reproductive structures, which is better estimated for flowers than for immature fruits and buds. The size estimation results are also encouraging, showing a difference of only a few millimeters between the predicted and actual sizes of buds and flowers.

Discussion

This method has great potential for automating the analysis of reproductive structures in high‐resolution images of herbarium sheets. Deeper investigations regarding the taxonomic scalability of this approach and its potential improvement will be conducted in future work.
Using computer vision on herbarium specimen images to discriminate among closely related horsetails (Equisetum)
Authors: Pryer Kathleen M. , Tomasi Carlo , Wang Xiaohan , Meineke Emily K. , Windham Michael D.
Published: July 2020

Premise

Equisetum is a distinctive vascular plant genus with 15 extant species worldwide. Species identification is complicated by morphological plasticity and frequent hybridization events, leading to a disproportionately high number of misidentified specimens. These may be correctly identified by applying appropriate computer vision tools.

Methods

We hypothesize that aerial stem nodes can provide enough information to distinguish among Equisetum hyemale, E. laevigatum, and E. ×ferrissii, the latter being a hybrid between the other two. An object detector was trained to find nodes on a given image and to distinguish E. hyemale nodes from those of E. laevigatum. A classifier then took statistics from the detection results and classified the given image into one of the three taxa. Both detector and classifier were trained and tested on expert manually annotated images.

Results

In our exploratory test set of 30 images, our detector/classifier combination identified all 10 E. laevigatum images correctly, as well as nine out of 10 E. hyemale images, and eight out of 10 E. ×ferrissii images, for a 90% classification accuracy.

Discussion

Our results support the notion that computer vision may help with the identification of herbarium specimens once enough manual annotations become available.
Taurine Metabolism Aggravates the Progression of Lupus by Promoting the Function of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Li Jun , Ding Huihua , Meng Yao , Li Guanhua , Fu Qiong , Guo Qiang , Yin Zhihua , Ye Zhizhong , Zhou Haibo , Shen Nan
Published: July 2020

Objective

Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Metabolic abnormalities cause dysregulation of multiple immune cells, but the metabolic regulation of type I IFN production is not well clarified in SLE. We undertook this study to define amino acid metabolism features in SLE and to explore the function of disease‐relevant metabolites in the control of plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC)–mediated type I IFN production and the progression of SLE.

Methods

Metabolomic profiling of the serum from SLE patients and healthy controls was performed by mass spectrometry. The effects of SLE‐related metabolites on type I IFN production were explored in human and mouse pDCs. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of pDCs from wild‐type and Ncf1−/− mice were measured by flow cytometry. Mechanisms were investigated by RNA sequencing and immunoblotting. In vivo effects of SLE‐relevant metabolites were systemically analyzed in B6.Cg‐Sle1NZM2410/Aeg Yaa/DcrJ mice.

Results

Taurine was higher in the serum from SLE patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001) and rheumatoid arthritis patients (P < 0.001). Taurine content was positively correlated with disease activity and the expression of IFN signature genes. The addition of taurine facilitated IFN regulatory factor 7 phosphorylation and enhanced type I IFN production by reducing the ROS levels in pDCs in a neutrophil cytosolic factor 1–dependent manner. Taurine supplementation promoted expression of type I IFN–induced genes, activated lymphocytes, and increased autoantibodies and proteinuria, leading to more serious nephritis.

Conclusion

Taurine metabolism is involved in the development of SLE by enhancing pDC‐mediated type I IFN production. Targeted inhibition of taurine or implementation of a taurine‐restricted diet has therapeutic potential in SLE.
Modellierung des Verankerungsverhaltens getränkter textiler Bewehrungen
Authors: Preinstorfer Philipp , Pinzek Andreas , Kollegger Johann
Published: July 2020

Das Verbundverhalten und darauf aufbauend das Verankerungsverhalten textiler Bewehrungen lässt sich aufgrund unterschiedlicher geometrischer und mechanischer Eigenschaften der Bewehrung nicht direkt aus den bekannten Regeln des Stahlbetonbaus ableiten. Im Textilbetonbau stellt sich zudem für Bewehrungen, deren maßgebender Verbundmechanismus der Formverbund ist, in vielen Fällen ein Versagen zufolge Sprengrissbildung ein. Die Beurteilung, ob ein Bauteil sprengrissgefährdet ist, erfolgte in der Vergangenheit primär experimentell durch direkte Berücksichtigung in den Versuchen. Im folgenden Beitrag wird hingegen ein Weg aufgezeigt, wie die Sprengrissgefährdung dieser Textilkonfigurationen rechnerisch erfasst werden kann. Dazu wird in einem ersten Schritt das Verbundverhalten textiler Bewehrungen anhand eines Versuchsaufbaus, bei dem eine Sprengrissbildung ausgeschlossen wird, ermittelt. Das Versagen tritt in Form eines Abscherens der Faserstrangrippen (periodische Aufweitung innerhalb einer Maschenweite) auf, was auf hohe örtliche Beanspruchungen schließen lässt. Aufbauend auf den Erkenntnissen wird ein numerisches Modell unter der Diskretisierung der Verbundkraftübertragung in einzelnen Verbundpunkten (die diese hohe örtliche Beanspruchung repräsentieren) entwickelt, das eine Untersuchung des Verankerungsverhaltens und des Normalkraftverlaufs im Faserstrang für Verankerungslängen als Vielfaches der Maschenweite erlaubt. Durch Gegenüberstellung der Verankerungskräfte in den einzelnen Rippen mit einem Spaltwiderstand kann dann überprüft werden, ob das Bauteil sprengrissgefährdet ist.
Competitive and Coordinative Interactions between Body Parts Produce Adaptive Developmental Outcomes
Authors: Gawne Richard , McKenna Kenneth Z. , Levin Michael
Published: July 2020

Large‐scale patterns of correlated growth in development are partially driven by competition for metabolic and informational resources. It is argued that competition between organs for limited resources is an important mesoscale morphogenetic mechanism that produces fitness‐enhancing correlated growth. At the genetic level, the growth of individual characters appears independent, or “modular,” because patterns of expression and transcription are often highly localized, mutations have trait‐specific effects, and gene complexes can be co‐opted as a unit to produce novel traits. However, body parts are known to interact over the course of ontogeny, and these reciprocal exchanges can be an important determinant of developmental outcomes. Genetic mechanisms underlie cell and tissue behaviors that allow organs to communicate with one another, but they also create evolutionarily adaptive competitive dynamics that are driven by physiological and biophysical processes. Advances in the understanding of competitive and closely related coordinative interactions across scales will complement existing research programs that emphasize the role of cellular mechanisms in morphogenesis. Study of the large‐scale order produced by competitive dynamics promises to facilitate advances in basic evolutionary and developmental biology, as well as applied research in fields such as bioengineering and regenerative medicine that aim to regulate patterning outcomes.
Effects of mirror neuron system‐based training on rehabilitation of stroke patients
Authors: Mao Huiwen , Li Yan , Tang Li , Chen Ye , Ni Jiawei , Liu Liang , Shan Chunlei
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate the clinical effects of the mirror neuron system (MNS)‐based training on upper extremity motor function and cognitive function in stroke patients.

Methods

Sixty stroke patients (time from stroke onset 3–9 months) with upper extremity paresis (Brunnstrom stage II–IV) and cognitive impairment (MoCA score ≥ 15) were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly allocated into MNS treatment group (N = 30) and control group (N = 30). Both groups underwent regular training for upper extremity motor function and cognitive function, and the MNS group was trained with a therapeutic apparatus named mirror neuron system training (MNST) including different levels of action observation training (AOT). Training lasted 20 min/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. MoCA, reaction time, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks after training. Furthermore, Fugl‐Meyer assessment (FMA) and Modified Barthel index (MBI) were adopted to evaluated upper extremity motor function and daily life ability.

Results

After 8 consecutive weeks’ training, both groups showed significant improvements on the upper extremity motor function, cognitive function, and daily life ability score after training (p < .05). The MNS group showed significantly improved upper extremity motor function and cognitive function (p < .05) compared with control group.

Conclusions

Combining MNS‐based and conventional training can improve upper extremity motor function and cognitive function in stroke patients.
Personalized‐induced neural stem cell therapy: Generation, transplant, and safety in a large animal model
Authors: Bomba Hunter N. , Sheets Kevin T. , Valdivia Alain , Khagi Simon , Ruterbories Laura , Mariani Christopher L. , Borst Luke B. , Tokarz Debra A. , Hingtgen Shawn D.
Published: July 2020

In this study, we take an important step toward clinical translation by generating the first canine‐induced neural stem cells (iNSCs). We explore key aspects of scale‐up, persistence, and safety of personalized iNSC therapy in autologous canine surgery models. iNSCs are a promising new approach to treat aggressive cancers of the brain, including the deadly glioblastoma. Created by direct transdifferentiation of fibroblasts, iNSCs are known to migrate through the brain, track down invasive cancer foci, and deliver anticancer payloads that significantly reduce tumor burden and extend survival of tumor‐bearing mice. Here, skin biopsies were collected from canines and converted into the first personalized canine iNSCs engineered to carry TNFα‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) and thymidine kinase (TK), as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents for in vivo tracking. Time‐lapse analysis showed canine iNSCs efficiently migrate to human tumor cells, and cell viability assays showed both TRAIL and TK monotherapy markedly reduced tumor growth. Using intraoperative navigation and two delivery methods to closely mimic human therapy, canines received autologous iNSCs either within postsurgical cavities in a biocompatible matrix or via a catheter placed in the lateral ventricle. Both strategies were well tolerated, and serial MRI showed hypointense regions at the implant sites that remained stable through 86 days postimplant. Serial fluid sample testing following iNSC delivery showed the bimodal personalized therapy was well tolerated, with no iNSC‐induced abnormal tissue pathology. Overall, this study lays an important foundation as this promising personalized cell therapy advances toward human patient testing.
Promising survival rate but high incidence of treatment‐related mortality after reduced‐dose craniospinal radiotherapy and tandem high‐dose chemotherapy in patients with high‐risk medulloblastoma
Authors: Lee Ji Won , Lim Do Hoon , Sung Ki Woong , Cho Hee Won , Ju Hee Young , Hyun Ju Kyung , Yoo Keon Hee , Koo Hong Hoe , Suh Yeon‐Lim , Joung Yoo‐Sook , Shin Hyung Jin
Published: July 2020

Background

In this study, we report the follow‐up results of reduced dose of craniospinal radiotherapy (CSRT) followed by tandem high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) in patients with high‐risk medulloblastoma (MB).

Methods

Newly diagnosed high‐risk MB patients (metastatic disease, postoperative residual tumor >1.5 cm2, or large cell/anaplastic histology) over 3 years of age were enrolled in this study. Two cycles of pre‐RT chemotherapy, radiotherapy (RT) including reduced‐dose CSRT (23.4 or 30.6 Gy), four cycles of post‐RT chemotherapy, and tandem HDCT were administered. NanoString and DNA sequencing were performed using archival tissues.

Results

In all, 40 patients were enrolled, and molecular subgrouping was possible in 21 patients (2 wingless, 3 sonic hedgehog, 8 Group 3, and 8 group 4). All patients including two patients who experienced progression during the induction chemotherapy underwent HDCT. Relapse/progression occurred only in four patients (5‐year cumulative incidence [CI] 10.4 ± 0.3%). However, six patients died from treatment‐related mortality (TRM) (four acute TRMs and two late TRMs) resulting in 18.5 ± 0.5% of 5‐year CI. Taken together, the 5‐year event‐free survival and overall survival were 71.1 ± 8.0% and 73.2 ± 7.9%, respectively. Late effects were evaluated in 25 patients and high‐tone hearing loss, endocrine dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and growth retardation were common.

Conclusions

The strategy using tandem HDCT following reduced‐dose CSRT showed promising results in terms of low relapse/progression rate; however, the high TRM rate indicates that modification of HDCT regimen and careful selection of patients who can benefit from HDCT will be needed in the future study.
Phase II trial of co‐administration of CD19‐ and CD20‐targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cells for relapsed and refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Sang Wei , Shi Ming , Yang Jingjing , Cao Jiang , Xu Linyan , Yan Dongmei , Yao Meixue , Liu Hui , Li Weidong , Zhang Bing , Sun Kemeng , Song Xuguang , Sun Cai , Jiao Jun , Qin Yuanyuan , Sang Tingting , Ma Yuanyuan , Wu Mei , Gao Xiang , Cheng Hai , Yan Zhiling , Li Depeng , Sun Haiying , Zhu Feng , Wang Ying , Zeng Lingyu , Li Zhenyu , Zheng Junnian , Xu Kailin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Anti‐CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy for refractory and relapsed diffuse large B cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL). However, this therapy failed in nearly 25% patients mainly due to antigen loss. The authors performed a phase Ⅱ trial by coadministration of anti‐CD19 and anti‐CD20 CAR‐T cells treatment for R/R DLBCL and evaluated its efficacy and toxicity.

Methods

Totally 21 patients with DLBCL were enrolled in this study. The patients were conditioned with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide before the infusion of anti‐CD19 and anti‐CD20 CAR‐T cells. Treatment response, toxicity, and persistence were monitored continuously.

Results

Of the 21 patients received the treatment, the objective response rate (ORR) is 81.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 58.1%‐94.6%) with four cases of bulk (4/5) and one case of testis involvement; 52.4% (95% CI, 29.8%‐74.3%) had a complete response (CR). Peak levels of anti‐CD19 and anti‐CD20 CAR cells were associated with response (P = .007 and .002). Grade 3‐4 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic events occurred in 28.5% and 9.5% patients, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 8.1 and 5.0 months, respectively. The maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of CD4/CD8 ratio before and after infusion were associated with responses, and the total lesion glycolysis (TLG) before infusion correlates with cytokines level.

Conclusions

Coadministration of anti‐CD19 and CD20 CAR‐T cells therapy for DLBCL is feasible with manageable toxicity. Cytokine markers are related to toxicity and SUVmax could predict efficacy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03207178.
Keep Your Eye On…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2020

The need to prioritize ADHD, irritability, and anxiety in ASD

The barriers and aids to mental health help‐seeking in teens
CACNA1S Arg528Cys mutation in a young Chinese man with thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis
Authors: Rezkalla Nader , Imam Kamran , Marti Miriam , Ip Karen , Mashhadian Ardavan , Liu Antonio
Published: July 2020

It has long been believed that the patients with thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) may harbor genetic mutations commonly found in familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Despite extensive testing, such a mutation has escaped detection until now.
Cancer Cell Detection‐Based on Released Hydrogen Peroxide Using a Non‐Modified Closed Bipolar Electrochemical System
Authors: Shokouhi Maryam , Mehrgardi Masoud A.
Published: July 2020

In this study, a non‐modified closed bipolar electrochemical system for ultrasensitive cancer cell detection by quantitative measurement of released hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ascorbic acid has been developed. This system includes two separate chambers (reporting and sensing), a piece of a gold archival CD (compact disc) as a bipolar electrode, and two platinum driving electrodes. By following the ECL (electrochemiluminescence) intensities of luminol oxidation in the reporting chamber, the hydrogen peroxide released by cancer cells in the presence of ascorbic acid was monitored. Under the optimum conditions, the biosensor delivers a wide linear range from 2.5×10−9 to 1×10−6 M, and a detection limit for hydrogen peroxide as low as 1.8×10−9 M. Also, this system can detect cancer blood cell concentrations (CCRF‐CEM: T‐lymphoblastic leukemia cell line) as low as 12 cells in 300 μL of cell suspension. The present bipolar electrode‐electrochemiluminescence (BPE‐ECL) system demonstrates a simple and low‐cost device with excellent performance without any electrode surface modification for the detection of cancer cells based on different levels of released hydrogen peroxide by normal and cancer cells. The present biosensor can be applied as a promising alternative method for the detection of H2O2 in the field of pathology, cancer diagnosis, and environmental monitoring.
Nanogels with Selective Intracellular Reactivity for Intracellular Tracking and Delivery
Authors: Zu Guangyue , Mergel Olga , Ribovski Laís , Bron Reinier , Zuhorn Inge S. , van Rijn Patrick
Published: July 2020

A multimodal approach for hydrogel‐based nanoparticles was developed to selectively allow molecular conjugated species to either be released inside the cell or remain connected to the polymer network. Using the intrinsic difference in reactivity between esters and amides, nanogels with an amide‐conjugated dye could be tracked intracellularly localizing next to the nucleus, while ester‐conjugation allowed for liberation of the molecular species from the hydrogel network inside the cell, enabling delivery throughout the cytoplasm. The release was a result of particle exposure to the intracellular environment. The conjugation approach and polymer network building rely on the same chemistry and provide a diverse range of possibilities to be used in nanomedicine and theranostic approaches.
Chemists around the World, Take Your Part in the Circular Economy!
Authors: Chatel Gregory
Published: July 2020

Based on recent examples and initiatives reported in the literature, this concept article discusses how chemistry can contribute to the circular economy approach in order to improve our current and future economical, societal, and environmental system. Through five proposed levels of contribution, chemists can take a significant part in this global approach via the consideration of green chemistry principles, the simplification of syntheses, the limitation of complex products preparation, the efficient utilization of resources but also the novel ways of waste valorization. A more systematic and generalized environmental and economic assessment from the lab‐scale is also recommended. At last, chemists have to work even more collaboratively and in a multidisciplinary way, within chemistry and beyond.