bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semantic analysis on social networks: A survey
Authors: Bayrakdar Sumeyye , Yucedag Ibrahim , Simsek Mehmet , Dogru Ibrahim Alper
Published: April 2020

As social networks are getting more and more popular day by day, large numbers of users becoming constantly active social network users. In this way, there is a huge amount of data produced by users in social networks. While social networking sites and dynamic applications of these sites are actively used by people, social network analysis is also receiving an increasing interest. Moreover, semantic understanding of text, image, and video shared in a social network has been a significant topic in the network analysis research. To the best of the author's knowledge, there has not been any comprehensive survey of social networks, including semantic analysis. In this survey, we have reviewed over 200 contributions in the field, most of which appeared in recent years. This paper not only aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the research and application of social network analysis based on semantic analysis but also summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art techniques for analyzing social media data. First of all, in this paper, social networks, basic concepts, and components related to social network analysis were examined. Second, semantic analysis methods for text, image, and video in social networks are explained, and various studies about these topics are examined in the literature. Then, the emerging approaches in social network analysis research, especially in semantic social network analysis, are discussed. Finally, the trending topics and applications for future directions of the research are emphasized; the information on what kind of studies may be realized in this area is given.
The economics of conservation debt: a natural capital approach to revealed valuation of ecological dynamics
Authors: Maher Samantha M. , Fenichel Eli P. , Schmitz Oswald J. , Adamowicz Wiktor L.
Published: April 2020

Some species are valued for their direct usefulness to society, through immediate financial returns from market activities such as harvesting or ecotourism. But many are valued for their passive usefulness, i.e., their mere existence contributes to supporting, regulating or cultural environmental services that support human well‐being. Hence, there is inherent social value to conserving such species as natural assets. However, such species are seldom priced as natural assets, and thus not accounted for in sustainability wealth measures because deriving non‐market prices is challenging. We overcome this limitation by presenting a new approach for natural asset pricing of species with passive value that can be incorporated into national sustainability wealth accounting. We explicitly consider the relationship between prevailing institutions, species interactions, and ecosystem dynamics. Our approach is illustrated with the case of threatened woodland caribou in the Alberta Oil Sands. We show that conservation can be considered an investment while destructive activities can lead to a loss or conservation debt; and forgoing destructive activities can be considered a capital gain, increasing future wealth. Our approach reveals that caribou conservation in Alberta is leading to a conservation debt on the order of CA$800 million.
Footedness predicts escape performance in a passerine bird
Authors: Yu Gaoyang , Guo Jinxin , Xie Wenqian , Wang Jun , Wu Yichen , Zhang Jinggang , Xu Jiliang , Li Jianqiang
Published: April 2020

Behavioral lateralization, which is associated with the functional lateralization of the two brain hemispheres, commonly exists in animals and can provide an individual with benefits such as enhanced cognition and dual tasking. Lateral bias in limb use, as a type of behavioral lateralization, occur in many species, but the reasons for the coexistence of left‐ and right‐biased individuals in a population remain poorly understood. We examined the footedness of male yellow‐bellied tits (Pardaliparus venustulus) when they used feet to clamp mealworms against a perch, and tested its association with other fitness‐related behavioral traits (i.e., feeding efficiency, exploration tendency, and escape performance). We expected differently footed individuals to have respective advantages in these behaviors and thereby coexist (“respective advantage” hypothesis). We found their footedness repeatable, and there was no population‐level bias. While no associations of feeding efficiency and exploration tendency with footedness were detected, the right‐footed individuals were found to be harder to catch than the other individuals. Future studies need to investigate the reasons for the right‐footed individuals' superior escape performance. Moreover, the escape advantage for being right‐footed and the lack of population‐level bias in footedness in male yellow‐bellied tits suggest that the benefits related to left footedness also remain to be explored.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Chemical Bonding of Sr7Li6Sn12and its Quaternary Derivatives with Eu and Alkaline Earth Metal (Mg, Ca, Ba) Substitutions. A Tale of Seven Li‐Containing Stannides and Two Complex Crystal Structures
Authors: Osman Hussien H. , Bobev Svilen
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we discuss the synthesis and the structural characterization of the new ternary compound Sr7Li6Sn12and its six quaternary derivatives, where alkaline earth metals (Ca, Mg, Ba) and the rare earth metal Eu are substituted, yielding crystalline phases of monoclinic or orthorhombic symmetry. The title compounds were synthesized via high‐temperature solid‐state reactions of the corresponding elements. The crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. The (Sr,Ca)7Li6Sn12and Eu7(Mg,Li)6Sn12phases represent a new structure type (space groupP2/m, No. 10) while Sr7Li6Sn12and the rest of the title phases crystallize in the orthorhombic base‐centered space groupCmmm(No. 65) which is similar to the Eu7Li8–xSn10+x(x≈ 2.0) phase with the Ce7Li8Ge10structure type (Pearson codeoC50). Careful examination of the resulting structures shows intricate disordering between Li and Sn atoms, which is governed by the total number of valence electrons. The discussion of experimental results is also supported by DFT electronic structure calculations.
Practical Solvent‐Free Microwave‐Assisted Hydroboration of Alkynes
Authors: Altarejos Julia , Sucunza David , Vaquero Juan J. , Carreras Javier
Published: April 2020

A simple and rapid protocol for the anti‐Markovnikov hydroboration of alkynes assisted by microwave irradiation has been developed. Pinacolborane smoothly reacts with terminal alkynes to obtain (E)‐alkenyl boronates in good yields and short reactions times in the absence of solvent. Further transformations on the carbon‐boron bond of the adducts can be sequentially achieved without the need of purifying the alkenyl boronates.
Ruthenium Catalyzed N‐Alkylation of Cyclic Amines with Primary Alcohols
Authors: Savela Risto , Vogt Dieter , Leino Reko
Published: April 2020

A robust alcohol amination protocol using common saturated amines and primary alcohols as starting materials is described. The reactions are catalyzed by combination of dichloro(p‐cymene)ruthenium(II) dimer precatalyst with triphenylphosphine ligand, with the excess alcohol substrate or toluene functioning as the solvent. The catalyst and ligand residues can be precipitated from the reaction media by addition of hexane or cold diethyl ether, followed by precipitation and isolation of the product as a hydrochloride salt.
Rational Optimization of Lewis‐Acid Catalysts for the Direct Amination of Alcohols, Part 1 – Activity Descriptors for Metal Triflates and Triflimides
Authors: Payard Pierre‐Adrien , Finidori Céline , Guichard Laurélia , Cartigny Damien , Corbet Matthieu , Khrouz Lhoussain , Bonneviot Laurent , Wischert Raphael , Grimaud Laurence , Pera‐Titus Marc
Published: April 2020

Herein we report a comparison of Lewis acidity indicators (affinity scales, electronegativity, Fukui functions, global electrophilicity index) with a new in silico Beckett–Childs descriptor based on the build‐up of partial charge, computed by DFT, on phosphine oxide coordinated to a Lewis acid. When applied to a broad series of triflate and triflimide salts, the last descriptor allowed a qualitative description of catalytic activity trends for the model amination reaction of benzyl alcohol with aniline. A high activity for titanium triflimide was predicted and experimentally confirmed.
Carboxylation of Alkenyl Boronic Acids and Alkenyl Boronic Acid Pinacol Esters with CO2 Catalyzed by Cuprous Halide
Authors: Hong Junting , Nayal Onkar S. , Mo Fanyang
Published: April 2020

A cuprous halide catalysed carboxylation of alkenyl boronic acids and alkenyl boronic acid pinacol esters under CO2, affording the corresponding α, β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids in good yield, has been developed. The potassium (E)‐trifluoro(styryl)borate is also compatible with this reaction. This simple and efficient copper(I) catalytic system showed good functional group tolerance.
Photochemical Transformation of O‐(β‐Arylethyl) Arylimidates into 2,4‐Diaryl‐5‐iodoxazoles with 1,3‐Diiodo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin
Authors: Saito Aya , Togo Hideo
Published: April 2020

Treatment of O‐(β‐arylethyl) arylimidates with 1,3‐diiodo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DIH) under irradiation with a tungsten lamp in 1,2‐dichloroethane gave the corresponding 2,4‐diaryl‐5‐iodoxazoles and 2,4‐diaryloxazoles in good to moderate yields, respectively, depending on the aryl group. It was proposed that the reactions proceeded through the formation of N‐iodoimidates by the reaction of O‐(β‐arylethyl) arylimidates with DIH, followed by the formation of iminyl radicals via homolytic N–I bond cleavage, the 1,5‐H shift by the iminyl radicals, the C–I bond formation of the formed carbon‐centered radicals with iodine, the nucleophilic cyclization by the imino groups to form 2,4‐diaryloxazolines, the oxidation of the formed 2,4‐diaryloxazolines to 2,4‐diaryloxazoles, and the iodination of the formed 2,4‐diaryloxazoles to 2,4‐diaryl‐5‐iodoxazoles with DIH.
Influence of Functional Groups towards the β‐Selective Glycosylation of 2‐Azido‐2‐deoxy Glycosyl Thioglycosides
Authors: Gucchait Arin , Kundu Monalisa , Manna Tapasi , Shit Pradip , Misra Anup Kumar
Published: April 2020

The influence of the functional groups present in the glycosyl donor on the stereoselective glycosylation of 2‐azido‐2‐deoxy sugar thioglycosides under the N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS) and triflic acid (TfOH) mediated glycosylation conditions has been studied in detail. It was observed that beta glycosides of 2‐azido‐2‐deoxy sugar are formed mainly via a stable alpha‐glycosyl triflate intermediate followed by SN2 substitution of the triflate group by the acceptor. The presence of an electron withdrawing functional group such as O‐picoloyl (Pico) in the glycosyl donor facilitates the formation of stable α‐glycosyl triflate to furnish β‐glycosides, whereas the presence of an electron donating hydrogen bond mediating functional group such as p‐methoxybenzyl (PMB) in the glycosyl donor directs the formation of 1,2‐cis glycosides via the glycosyl oxycarbenium ion intermediate with B2,5 and 4H3 conformation. Excellent yields of the β‐glycosides were obtained in case of 2‐azido‐2‐deoxy‐d‐mannose and 2‐azido‐2‐deoxy‐d‐galactose thioglycosides, and 2‐azido‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose thioglycosides furnish moderate yields of the β‐glycosides.
Fabrication of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Imprinted Poly(ionic liquid)s via eATRP and its Application in Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Yang Yifei , Sun Yue , Jin Mingzhu , Bai Ru , Liu Yutong , Wu Yingqi , Wang Wei , Feng Xuewei , Li Siyu
Published: April 2020

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) plays an important role in nearly all living cells. In this study, SOD imprinted poly(ionic liquid)s (SIPILs) were prepared on the surface of the bare Au electrode modified with nano‐palladium and nano‐gold (Au/nPd/nAu/SIPILs). SIPILs was synthesized with 1‐vinyl‐3‐propyl imidazole sulfonate ionic liquids as functional monomers via electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) catalyzed by SOD. The Au/nPd/nAu/SIPILs was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Au/nPd/nAu/SIPILs was also used as an electrochemical sensor to determine SOD by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under the optimal conditions, the detection range of SOD was from 1.0×10−8 to 1.0×102 mg L−1 with a limit of detection of 8.90×10−9 mg L−1 (S/N=3). Compared with other methods, the sensor based on SIPILs had the broader linear range and lower detection limit.
Application of Best Linear Prediction and Penalized Best Linear Prediction to ETS Tests
Authors: Haberman Shelby J.
Published: April 2020

Best linear prediction (BLP) and penalized best linear prediction (PBLP) are techniques for combining sources of information to produce task scores, section scores, and composite test scores. The report examines issues to consider in operational implementation of BLP and PBLP in testing programs administered by ETS.
Joint relay assignment and energy‐efficiency maximization in energy‐harvesting downlink/uplink clustered nonorthogonal multiple‐access networks
Authors: Baidas Mohammed W.
Published: April 2020

In this article, the problem of joint relay assignment and energy‐efficiency maximization (J‐RA‐EE‐MAX) in energy‐harvesting downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) clustered nonorthogonal multiple‐access (NOMA) networks is considered. Specifically, the aim is to perform relay assignment to user clusters in the DL and UL directions, while simultaneously maximizing energy efficiency (EE) over each relay via multiobjective optimization, and satisfying users' quality‐of‐service (QoS) constraints. However, problem J‐RA‐EE‐MAX happens to be nonconvex in each link direction, and thus is computationally prohibitive. Alternatively, a low‐complexity solution procedure is devised to solve problem J‐RA‐EE‐MAX in each link direction by: (i) optimally solving the energy‐efficiency maximizing power allocation (EE‐MAX‐PA) for each (user cluster, relay) combination to construct the relays' preference profile, and (ii) performing relay assignment via Gale's top trading cycles (TTC) matching mechanism. In particular, the optimal solution of the EE‐MAX‐PA problem is obtained by transforming it into a concave maximization problem, while the TTC mechanism is executed in linear time‐complexity so as to obtain a stable relay assignment. Simulation results are presented to validate the proposed solution procedure, which is shown to yield comparable user cluster sum‐rate and relay EE to the J‐RA‐EE‐MAX scheme, and superior to other schemes in both link directions, however, at lower computational complexity, while satisfying users' QoS constraints. Finally, this work sheds light on the importance of decoupling relay assignment in the DL/UL directions, which significantly improves user cluster sum‐rate and relay EE in comparison to coupled relay assignment schemes, and thus serves the requirements of 5G networks and beyond.
The contribution of ancient admixture to reproductive isolation between European sea bass lineages
Authors: Duranton Maud , Allal François , Valière Sophie , Bouchez Olivier , Bonhomme François , Gagnaire Pierre-Alexandre
Published: April 2020

Understanding how new species arise through the progressive establishment of reproductive isolation (RI) barriers between diverging populations is a major goal in Evolutionary Biology. An important result of speciation genomics studies is that genomic regions involved in RI frequently harbor anciently diverged haplotypes that predate the reconstructed history of species divergence. The possible origins of these old alleles remain much debated, as they relate to contrasting mechanisms of speciation that are not yet fully understood. In the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), the genomic regions involved in RI between Atlantic and Mediterranean lineages are enriched for anciently diverged alleles of unknown origin. Here, we used haplotype-resolved whole-genome sequences to test whether divergent haplotypes could have originated from a closely related species, the spotted sea bass (Dicentrarchus punctatus). We found that an ancient admixture event between D. labrax and D. punctatus is responsible for the presence of shared derived alleles that segregate at low frequencies in both lineages of D. labrax. An exception to this was found within regions involved in RI between the two D. labrax lineages. In those regions, archaic tracts originating from D. punctatus locally reached high frequencies or even fixation in Atlantic genomes but were almost absent in the Mediterranean. We showed that the ancient admixture event most likely occurred between D. punctatus and the D. labrax Atlantic lineage, while Atlantic and Mediterranean D. labrax lineages were experiencing allopatric isolation. Our results suggest that local adaptive introgression and/or the resolution of genomic conflicts provoked by ancient admixture have probably contributed to the establishment of RI between the two D. labrax lineages.
Wide‐scale evaluation of Origanum munzurense Kit Tan & Sorger using different extraction techniques: Antioxidant capacity, chemical compounds, trace element content, total phenolic content, antibacterial activity and genotoxic effect
Authors: Yabalak Erdal , Emire Zuhal , Adıgüzel Ali Osman , Könen Adıgüzel Serpil , Gizir A. Murat
Published: April 2020

This aim of this work was to investigate the various properties of Origanum munzurense Kit Tan & Sorger that are previously unknown. In this context, chemical compound, antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, mineral and trace element composition, antibacterial activity and genotoxicity effects of its extracts and essential oil were widely analysed. The extracts and essential oil of Origanum munzurense were obtained by three different extraction methods. All contents of extracts and essential oil were analysed by GC‐MS and evaluated according to mass spectral libraries of GC‐MS. The identified compounds were evaluated according to literature to put forward their benefits on human health. The phenolic content analysis of Origanum munzurense was performed using the Folin‐Ciocalteu method. 178.59, 184.20, 231.17, 319.28 and 1051.94 mg GAE/100 g dry weight were determined for methanol, water, acetonitrile, ethanol and subcritical water extracts, respectively. DPPH and CUPRAC methods were used to determine antioxidant activity. The highest half‐maximal inhibitory concentration and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values were found as 0.110 mg mL−1 and 2.197 using water and tetrahydrofuran extracts, respectively. A total of 21 mineral and trace elements were detected in the ICP‐MS analysis of O munzurense using the wet digestion procedure. The effects of the extracts and essential oil on Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S aureus were examined using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Essential oil exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. The essential oil was found to cause less DNA damage using the comet assay in Hep G2 cells compared with tetrahydrofuran extract.
Optimal futures hedging for energy commodities: An application of the GAS model
Authors: Xu Yingying , Lien Donald
Published: April 2020

This paper applies generalized autoregressive score‐driven (GAS) models to futures hedging of crude oil and natural gas. For both commodities, the GAS framework captures the marginal distributions of spot and futures returns and corresponding dynamic copula correlations. We compare within‐sample and out‐of‐sample hedging effectiveness of GAS models against constant ordinary least square (OLS) strategy and time‐varying copula‐based GARCH models in terms of volatility reduction and Value at Risk reduction. We show that the constant OLS hedge ratio is not inherently inferior to the time‐varying alternatives. Nonetheless, GAS models tend to exhibit better hedging effectiveness than other strategies, particularly for natural gas.
Redating the formation of Lake Bafa, western Turkey: Integrative geoarchaeological methods and new environmental and dating evidence
Authors: Akçer‐Ön Sena , Greaves Alan M. , Manning Sturt W. , Ön Z. Bora , Çağatay M. Namık , Sakınç Mehmet , Oflaz Aslı , Tunoğlu Cemal , Salihoğlu Rana
Published: April 2020

The ancient Gulf of Latmos is an iconic example of a dynamic landscape and humankind's historical relationship with it. Using extensive new primary data and original models for calibrating radiocarbon dates in transitional lagoon environments, we demonstrate that Lake Bafa (or Bafa Gölü, in Turkish) formed at a much earlier date than previously thought. In questioning the logical process by which previous dates were achieved, we re‐examine the relationship between sedimentological data, archaeology and written history. We reassert the need to establish independently dated environmental data sets as the foundation of regional studies as distinct from archaeological and historical interpretive processes. We conclude that Lake Bafa slowly transitioned to become an isolated lagoon sometime between the end of the second millennium B.C. and end of the first millennium B.C.; becoming a fully closed brackish lake during the second millennium A.D. This marks a major shift in our understanding of the nature of human occupation and activity here during the last four millennia but also in the way we date ancient lagoons and integrate historical and environmental data in general.
Letting the stones speak: An interdisciplinary survey of stone collection and construction at Liangzhu City, prehistoric Lower Yangtze River
Authors: Wang Ningyuan , Dong Chuanwan , Xu Honggen , Zhuang Yijie
Published: April 2020

Our interdisciplinary investigation of the stone collection and construction process of Liangzhu City walls offers important evidence to understand the engineering and organization behind the construction. We examined spatial distributions, physical and petrological characteristics of the stones discovered from our excavations of representative wall sections. These results were compared with similar aspects as well as sedimentation contexts and availability of the surveyed stones from the surrounding regions to identify the source areas for the stone collection. We developed criteria based on physical and petrological characteristics and spatial distribution of stones for the identification of construction units and estimated the volume of stones for each unit. We concluded that even though the overall scale of stonework construction was enormous, the actual tasks of stone collection and construction were likely completed by small individual working groups. Liangzhu workers preferred to collect directly available, hand‐portable stones from source areas. However, some areas with suitable stone sources were neglected by Liangzhu workers. The total workforce may have followed a central organization, and many groups likely worked simultaneously. Through the repeated efforts of numerous small working groups, Liangzhu society constructed a massive, multicomponent infrastructure. Our study holds implications for wider archaeological research of ancient stone architecture.
Zircon U–Pb ages, geochemistry, Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions, and geological implications of the Shaziling pluton in the Nanling Orogenic Belt, southern China
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Sheng Haiqin , You Shuaiyi
Published: April 2020

Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the Shaziling pluton in the Jiuyishan area, Ningyuan County, Hunan Province crystallised at 151.9 ± 1.1 to 154.1 ± 1.2 Ma, indicating that it was emplaced during the Late Jurassic. The Shaziling pluton is metaluminous to peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.93–1.09), and has high silica and alkali contents, low Ca and Mg contents, and K2O/Na2O and FeO*/MgO ratios of 1.37–2.65 (mean = 1.80) and 5.43–15.33 (mean = 7.14), respectively. The total rare earth element (REE) content varies from 186.75 to 413.17 ppm, and the pluton is enriched in light REEs and shows negative Eu anomalies (0.095–0.224). It is enriched in the large‐ion lithophile elements Rb and Th, and depleted in Ni, Cr, Eu, Ti, V, P, and Sr. The pluton yields Ga/Al ratios of 245–582 ppm (mean = 350 ppm) and Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents of 256.8–630.7 ppm (mean = 441.95 ppm), similar to A‐type granites. The Shaziling pluton has a high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio (Sri = 0.71603–0.71817), and low εNd(t) (−6.8 to −7.4) and εHf(t) (4.8 to −14.2) values. The granitic magmas were produced by partial melting of crustal material, along with a mantle contribution. The Nd and Hf model ages are 1546–1498 and 1756–1061 Ma, respectively, suggesting that the source rocks separated from the mantle reservoir during the Mesoproterozoic. The Shaziling pluton was formed in an intracontinental extensional environment related to subduction.
Milk Fat Globule–Epidermal Growth Factor–Factor 8 Improves Hepatic Steatosis and Inflammation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tian Ruifeng , Yao Xinxin , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Zhang Peng , Huang Yongping , She Zhi‐Gang , Li Hongliang , Ji Yan‐Xiao , Cai Jingjing
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Milk fat globule–epidermal growth factor–factor 8 (MFGE8) has been shown to be a critical extracellular molecule that mediates apoptotic signaling in the pathological process of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MFGE8 is abundantly expressed in hepatocytes, but its function in the pathogenesis of NAFLD has not been characterized.

Approach and Results

In our current study, hepatic MFGE8 showed a protective role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Hepatic MFGE8 deletion largely exacerbated lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in the liver in response to overnutrition. Mechanistically, intercellular MFGE8 was shown to directly bind to apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and to inhibit its dimerization and phosphorylation under a normal diet. However, under metabolic challenges, decreased cytoplasmic MFGE8 facilitated the dimerization and phosphorylation of ASK1 and subsequent mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling in hepatocytes.

Conclusions

Hepatic MFGE8 is an endogenous inhibitor that halts the progression of hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Metabolic challenge–induced loss of intracellular MFGE8 facilitates ASK1 dimerization and phosphorylation. Therefore, maintaining hepatic MFGE8 levels may serve as an alternative strategy for the treatment of NAFLD.
PPARγ Coactivator‐1α Suppresses Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Warburg Effect by PPARγ–Dependent WNT/β‐Catenin/Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase Isozyme 1 Axis
Authors: Zuo Qiaozhu , He Jia , Zhang Shu , Wang Hui , Jin Guangzhi , Jin Haojie , Cheng Zhuoan , Tao Xuemei , Yu Chengtao , Li Botai , Yang Chen , Wang Siying , Lv Yuanyuan , Zhao Fangyu , Yao Ming , Cong Wenming , Wang Cun , Qin Wenxin
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPARγ) coactivator‐1α (PGC1α) is a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration. PGC1α is involved in the carcinogenesis, progression, and metabolic state of cancer. However, its role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Approach and Results

In this study, we observed that PGC1α was down‐regulated in human HCC. A clinical study showed that low levels of PGC1α expression were correlated with poor survival, vascular invasion, and larger tumor size. PGC1α inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC cells with both in vitro experiments and in vivo mouse models. Mechanistically, PGC1α suppressed the Warburg effect through down‐regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 1 (PDK1) mediated by the WNT/β‐catenin pathway, and inhibition of the WNT/β‐catenin pathway was induced by activation of PPARγ.

Conclusions

Low levels of PGC1α expression indicate a poor prognosis for HCC patients. PGC1α suppresses HCC metastasis by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis through regulating the WNT/β‐catenin/PDK1 axis, which depends on PPARγ. PGC1α is a potential factor for predicting prognosis and a therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Double hybrid DFT calculations with Slater type orbitals
Authors: Förster Arno , Visscher Lucas
Published: April 2020

On a comprehensive database with 1,644 datapoints, covering several aspects of main‐group as well as of transition metal chemistry, we assess the performance of 60 density functional approximations (DFA), among them 36 double hybrids (DH). All calculations are performed using a Slater type orbital (STO) basis set of triple‐ζ (TZ) quality and the highly efficient pair atomic resolution of the identity approach for the exchange‐ and Coulomb‐term of the KS matrix (PARI‐K and PARI‐J, respectively) and for the evaluation of the MP2 energy correction (PARI‐MP2). Employing the quadratic scaling SOS‐AO‐PARI‐MP2 algorithm, DHs based on the spin‐opposite‐scaled (SOS) MP2 approximation are benchmarked against a database of large molecules. We evaluate the accuracy of STO/PARI calculations for B3LYP as well as for the DH B2GP‐PLYP and show that the combined basis set and PARI‐error is comparable to the one obtained using the well‐known def2‐TZVPP Gaussian‐type basis set in conjunction with global density fitting. While quadruple‐ζ (QZ) calculations are currently not feasible for PARI‐MP2 due to numerical issues, we show that, on the TZ level, Jacob's ladder for classifying DFAs is reproduced. However, while the best DHs are more accurate than the best hybrids, the improvements are less pronounced than the ones commonly found on the QZ level. For conformers of organic molecules and noncovalent interactions where very high accuracy is required for qualitatively correct results, DHs provide only small improvements over hybrids, while they still excel in thermochemistry, kinetics, transition metal chemistry and the description of strained organic systems.
Thermal sensitivity of lizard embryos indicates a mismatch between oxygen supply and demand at near‐lethal temperatures
Authors: Hall Joshua M. , Warner Daniel A.
Published: April 2020

Aspects of global change create stressful thermal environments that threaten biodiversity. Oviparous, non‐avian reptiles have received considerable attention because eggs are left to develop under prevailing conditions, leaving developing embryos vulnerable to increases in temperature. Though many studies assess embryo responses to long‐term (i.e., chronic), constant incubation temperatures, few assess responses to acute exposures which are more relevant for many species. We subjected brown anole (Anolis sagrei) eggs to heat shocks, thermal ramps, and extreme diurnal fluctuations to determine the lethal temperature of embryos, measure the thermal sensitivity of embryo heart rate and metabolism, and quantify the effects of sublethal but stressful temperatures on development and hatchling phenotypes and survival. Most embryos died at heat shocks of 45°C or 46°C, which is ~12°C warmer than the highest constant temperatures suitable for successful development. Heart rate and O2 consumption increased with temperature; however, as embryos approached the lethal temperature, heart rate and CO2 production continued rising while O2 consumption plateaued. These data indicate a mismatch between oxygen supply and demand at high temperatures. Exposure to extreme, diurnal fluctuations depressed embryo developmental rates and heart rates, and resulted in hatchlings with smaller body size, reduced growth rates, and lower survival in the laboratory. Thus, even brief exposure to extreme temperatures can have important effects on embryo development, and our study highlights the role of both immediate and cumulative effects of high temperatures on egg survival. Such effects must be considered to predict how populations will respond to global change.
Combined nitrogen input from legume residues and fertilizer improves early nitrogen supply and uptake by wheat
Authors: Muschietti-Piana Pilar , McBeath Therese M. , McNeill Ann M. , Cipriotti Pablo A. , Gupta Vadakattu V. S. R.
Published: April 2020

Soil nitrogen (N) supply for wheat N uptake can be manipulated through legume and fertilizer N inputs to achieve yield potential in low‐rainfall sandy soil environments. Field experiments over 2 years (2015–2016) were conducted at 2 different sites in a low‐rainfall sandy soil to determine the soil N supply capacity relative to wheat N uptake at key growth stages, after a combination of crop residue (removed, wheat or lupin) and fertilizer N (nil, low or high N) treatments were manipulated to improve wheat yield. We measured the temporal patterns of the soil profile mineral N and PAW to 100 cm depth, wheat aerial biomass and N uptake in both years. In 2016 we also measured the disease incidence as a key environmental variable. There was 35 kg ha−1 more soil mineral N to 100 cm depth following lupin than wheat residues at the end of the fallow on average in both years. In a below average rainfall season, wheat biomass produced on lupin residues was responsive to N input with soil profile mineral N depleted by increased crop N uptake early in the season. In an above average rainfall season, a higher soil mineral N supply increased actual and potential grain yield, total biomass, N uptake, harvest index and water use efficiency of wheat, regardless of the source of N. Our study showed that the combination of lupin residues with high N rate increased soil profile mineral N at early growth stages, providing a greater soil N supply at the time of high wheat N demand, and the inclusion of a legume in the rotation is critical for improving the N supply to wheat, with added disease break benefits in a low‐rainfall sandy soil environment.
Influences of high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits and rye translocations on dough‐mixing properties and sugar‐snap cookie‐baking quality of soft winter wheat
Authors: Ma Fengyun , Kim Jieun , Baik Byung‐Kee
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The significance of high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GSs) and rye translocations, and their associations with gluten strength for hard wheat used for making bread has been understood well, but remains poorly understood for soft wheat used for making cookies. The influences of HMW‐GSs and rye translocations on the dough‐mixing properties and cookie‐baking quality of soft wheat were investigated using 50 US eastern soft winter (ESW) wheat varieties possessing 14 predominant HMW‐GS profiles.

RESULTS

Glu‐A1 and Glu‐B1 loci only influenced dough‐mixing properties significantly, whereas the Glu‐D1 locus influenced both dough‐mixing properties and cookie‐baking quality significantly. The subunits 1, 7* + 8 and 5 + 10 at the Glu‐A1, Glu‐B1 and Glu‐D1 loci, respectively, were associated with a long midline peak time, whereas only the rare subunits 2 + 121 at the Glu‐D1 locus exhibited significant associations with improved cookie‐baking quality of ESW wheat. The contributions of rye translocations to dough‐mixing properties and cookie‐baking quality depended on HMW‐GS profiles. Three HMW‐GS profiles (2*, 7 + 9, 2 + 121), (2*, 7 + 8, 2 + 121) and (1, 7 + 8, 2 + 121) were identified as being desirable for making large‐diameter cookies. Flour protein content, lactic acid (LA), and sodium carbonate (SC) solvent retention capacities and softness equivalence were identified as effective predictors of cookie diameter and accounted for 79% of the variation in cookie diameter.

CONCLUSION

Subunits 2 + 121 have significant associations with the protein characteristics and cookie‐baking quality of soft wheat. The determination of HMW‐GS composition would be an effective tool in soft‐wheat breeding programs for quickly identifying and selecting acceptable breeding lines possessing desirable cookie‐baking potential. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Strong Interface Construction of Carbon Fiber–reinforced PEEK Composites: An Efficient Method for Modifying Carbon Fiber with Crystalline PEEK
Authors: Yang Yanchao , Wang Tianjiao , Wang Shengdao , Cong Xin , Zhang Shuling , Zhang Mei , Luan Jiashuang , Wang Guibin
Published: April 2020

In order to improve the poor solvent resistance and poor temperature resistance caused by traditional sizing agents, crystalline poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is introduced to the interfacial phases of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced PEEK composites by a soluble precursor named PEEK‐1,3‐dioxolane. By changing the soluble precursor molecular weight and concentration in the sizing solution, the content of PEEK coated on the CF fiber surface can be controlled and the different interfacial properties of the PEEK composites can be obtained. The results shows that, with this method, crystalline PEEK can be completely coated on the CF surface, and the interfacial shear strength of the PEEK composites increases from 43.42 to 83.13 MPa. Due to none of any soluble compounds in the PEEK composites, the interfacial layer is well preserved under organic solvents and hygrothermal conditions, and the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the PEEK composites maintained above 85.4% and 90.44%, respectively. Scanning electron microscope clarifies that the mechanism of interface enhancement comes from a better wetting of crystalline PEEK on the fiber surface. Additionally, the sizing system of this investagation has the potential commercial value because of no toxic reagent (such as 2,4,5‐trichloro‐1‐hydroxy‐benzene or concentrated sulfuric acid) is required during sizing.
Optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters stable response to dose after repeated bleaching
Authors: Jursinic Paul A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To investigate the dose response of optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs), and how this response changes with repeated use, increased accumulated dose, and bleaching light with or without a UV component. To devise a method to stabilize dose response characteristics of OSLDs that are used repeatedly. To decrease measurement uncertainty.

Methods

Optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters irradiations were made using a linear accelerator and Ir‐192. The OSLDs (InLight nanoDots) dose response was characterized for these various irradiations under the batch, single use, method and the repeated irradiation method. Some nanoDots were preirradiated with hundreds of Gray of dose with Ir‐192 gamma rays. Repeated use OSLDs were bleached with lights that had different UV content. A special bleaching light was fabricated and used that had the same spectrum as the light in the OSLD reader.

Results

New, never irradiated, nanoDots had their characteristics altered by illumination with bleaching light that had a UV component. Each new nanoDot had unique sensitivity to dose as well as a unique linearity factor, which was supra‐linear. NanoDots that were irradiated and bleached repeatedly had changes in low and high dose sensitivity that was altered if the bleaching light had UV in its spectrum. For nanoDots that have been preirradiated with up to 1500 Gy of dose, their dose response was supra‐linear for bleaching light without UV content and infra‐linear for light with UV content. Preirradiated nanoDots that were bleached with light without UV content had stable dose sensitivity (±1.5%), stable linearity factor (±3.5%) for over 10 bleaching cycles, nonlinear response that was quadratic in dose, and dose measurement uncertainty of ±1.4% for 277 measurements.

Conclusions

The UV component in bleaching light has an impact on the dose sensitivity characteristics shown by new or repeatedly irradiated nanoDots. Each new nanoDot has a unique sensitivity to dose as well as a unique linearity factor, which was supra‐linear. As nanoDots accumulate dose with repeated use they change sensitivity to low and high dose very differently based on the UV content of the bleaching light. For nanoDots that have been preirradiated with hundreds of Gray of dose their dose response was supra‐linear for bleaching light without UV content and infra‐linear for light that has UV content. NanoDots can be used repeatedly and have stable dose response characteristics if they are preirradiated and bleached with light without UV content. Dose can be measured with an uncertainty of 1.4%, which is a threefold reduction of the uncertainty found with the single use batch method recommended by the manufacturer.
Considerations for Obesity, Vitamin D, and Physical Activity Amid the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Carter Stephen J. , Baranauskas Marissa N. , Fly Alyce D.
Published: April 2020

As the biomedical community races to disentangle the unknowns associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus responsible for causing coronavirus disease, the link between diminished immune function and individuals with obesity raises important questions about the possibility for greater viral pathogenicity in this population. Increased adiposity may undermine the pulmonary microenvironment wherein viral pathogenesis and immune cell trafficking could contribute to a maladaptive cycle of local inflammation and secondary injury. A further challenge to those with obesity during the current pandemic may involve vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. In the interest of personal and public health, we caution decision‐ and policy makers alike not to pin all hope on a proverbial “silver bullet.” Until further breakthroughs emerge, we should remember that modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity should not be marginalized. Decades of empirical evidence support both as key factors promoting health and wellness.
Heme oxygenase‐1 alleviates eosinophilic inflammation by inhibiting STAT3‐SOCS3 signaling
Authors: Lin Xiaoliang , Lv Jiajia , Ge Dandan , Bai Haitao , Yang Yungang , Wu Jinzhun
Published: April 2020

Airway inflammation of eosinophilic asthma (EA) attributes to Th2 response, leaving the role of Th17 response unknown. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) induce both suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan nuclear receptor γ (RORγt) to initiate Th17 cell differentiation which is inhibited by SOCS3, a negative feedback regulator of STAT3. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is a stress‐responsive, cytoprotective, and immunoregulatory molecular. Two other isoforms of the enzyme includes HO‐2 and HO‐3. Because HO‐2 does not exhibit stress‐related upregulation and distributes mainly in nervous system and HO‐3 shows a low enzymatic activity, we tested a hypothesized anti‐inflammatory role for HO‐1 in EA by inhibiting STAT3‐SOCS3 signaling. Animal model was established with Ovalbumin in wild type Balb/C mice. Hemin or SNPP was intraperitoneally (IP) injected ahead of the animal model to induce or inhibit HO‐1 expression. Airway inflammation was evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage, hematoxyline and eosin staining, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot analysis. In vivo results showed that HO‐1 induction inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 and expression of SOCS3 and RORγt, decreased Th2 and Th17 immune responses, and alleviated airway inflammation. In vitro results revealed that HO‐1 inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 and expression of SOCS3 in naive CD4+ T cells. These findings identify HO‐1 induction as a potential therapeutic strategy for EA treatment by reducing STAT3 phosphorylation, STAT3‐SOCS3‐mediated Th2/Th17 immune responses, and ultimate allergic airway inflammation.
Lung compartment analysis assessed from N2 multiple‐breath washout in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Skov Linnea , Green Kent , Stanojevic Sanja , Jensen Renee , Buchvald Frederik , Ratjen Felix , Nielsen Kim G.
Published: April 2020

Background

Compartment analysis (CA) based on nitrogen multiple‐breath washout (N2MBW) has been shown to allow the assessment of specific volume and ventilation of faster‐ and slower‐ventilating lung compartments of the lung in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to extend previous findings into the pediatric age range.

Methods

Cross‐sectional multicenter observational study in children with CF and healthy controls (HC) was done with the assessment of N2MBW and spirometry. A two‐lung compartment model‐based analysis (CA) was used to estimate size and function of faster‐ and slower‐ventilating lung compartments from N2MBW.

Results

A total of 125 children with CF and 177 HC, median age 10.8 (range, 2.8‐18.9) years, were included in the analysis. CA could be calculated in 66 (53%) children with CF compared with 48 (27%) HC (P < .0001). The proportion of the slower‐ventilating lung compartment was significantly smaller in children with CF (53.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.9%‐55.7%) compared with HC (62.2%; 95% CI: 59.0%‐65.0%) The regional specific ventilation of the slower compartment (rVT,slow/rFRC,slow, %) was significantly lower in children with CF (4.9%; 95% CI: 4.5‐5.9) compared with HC (9.7%, 95% CI: 9.2‐10.9), and showed inverse correlation to lung clearance index (r2 = −.65; P < .0001), Sacin × VT (r2 = −.36; P = .003) and Scond × VT (r2 = −.51; P < .0001). There was no significant difference in pulmonary parameters between children with CF with and without feasible CA.

Conclusion

CA is less feasible in children than in adults and correlated to other MBW parameters. The clinical value of CA is still unclear and is yet to be established.
A Ballistic Transport Model for an Artificial Neuron
Authors: Nemnes George Alexandru , Dragoman Daniela
Published: April 2020

A model for an artificial neuron (AN) is introduced which is based on ballistic transport in a multiterminal device. Unlike standard configurations, the proposed design embeds the synaptic weights into the active region, thus significantly reducing the complexity of the input terminals. This is achieved by defining the basic elements of the ballistic AN as follows: the input values are set by the incoming wavefunctions amplitudes, whereas the weights correspond to the scattering matrix elements. Furthermore, the output value of the activation function of the AN is given by the transmission function. By tuning the gate voltage, the scattering potential and, consequently, the weights are changed so that the value of the transmission function gets closer to the target output, which is essential in the training process of artificial neural networks. Thus, the modus operandi of a ballistic AN is provided.
A comparison of Zayandehrood River water values for agriculture and the environment
Authors: Karami Omid , Yazdani Saeed , Saleh Iraj , Rafiee Hamed , Riahi Andisheh
Published: April 2020

River water management is challenging not only since they are open systems with changing physical structures, but also because the water values are mostly unknown over varied sectors. If policymakers grasp water values, water management will be more efficient. This research intends to examine the values of water in agriculture, which receives the most substantial portion of water resources, with the values of water in the environment in Isfahan located in the Zayandehrood River basin of Iran. The consequences of contingent valuation and production function methods revealed that per cubic metre value of water is 13 times higher in the environment than agriculture. The government should reconsider the higher value of the environment despite it is a non‐market value. The contingent valuation model additionally proved that women exhibited 21% more willingness to pay than men in order to protect the environment; however, they are paid less by 36%.