bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why Are There So Many Waterfowl and So Few Northern Bobwhites? Rethinking Federal Coordination
Authors: Williams Christopher K. , Applegate Roger D. , Coppola Philip M. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTIn this paper we ask whether we should we re‐examine the future of upland gamebird management and greater federal oversight and partnerships in the twenty‐first century. Management for waterfowl in North America has been successful because of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the subsequent 1986 North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). Although the MBTA included most migratory and non‐migratory species, upland gamebirds, including the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; bobwhite), were excluded and retained under state control. Although many waterfowl populations have been increasing, bobwhite populations have declined precipitously during much of the period. Excluding non‐migratory gamebirds from the MBTA meant that the multistate coordinating efforts that made the MBTA successful for increasing the management of waterfowl have not been applied. The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) has made a strong effort to unite states within the bobwhite range but does not have the federal anchoring and financial support that were given to states by the MBTA and NAWMP and currently integrate adaptive harvest, habitat management, and financial partnerships to acquire and manage wetlands that support waterfowl production. The NBCI Coordinated Implementation Program (CIP) is designed to serve the function of developing and monitoring habitat for bobwhites but is entirely voluntary and dependent entirely on state and non‐governmental organization (NGO) funds, lacking federal grants and Federal Duck Stamp funds. To catch up with the successes of waterfowl, we discuss the implications of increasing coordination, partnerships, and funding mechanisms between the federal government, state governments, and NGOs to provide common landscape‐level population monitoring and modeling, adaptive harvest regulations, habitat management goals, and a national upland gamebird stamp. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Effect of Optimized Irrigation With Photon‐Induced Photoacoustic Streaming on Smear Layer Removal, Dentin Microhardness, Attachment Morphology, and Survival of the Stem Cells of Apical Papilla
Authors: Wu Lixuan , Jiang Shan , Ge Huan , Cai Zhiyu , Huang Xiaojing , Zhang Chengfei 
Published: March 2021

Background and ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of optimized irrigation with photon‐induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) activation of different irrigants (distilled water or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA]) on smear layer removal, dentin microhardness, attachment morphology, and survival of stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAP) in an organotypic root canal model.Study Design/Materials and MethodsA total of 144 standardized root segments were randomly allocated into 6 groups for irrigation: (i) NaOCl group, (ii) NaOCl + EDTA group, (iii) NaOCl + PIPS (distilled water) group, (iv) NaOCl + PIPS (EDTA) group, (v) NaOCl + EDTA + PIPS (distilled water) group, and (vi) NaOCl + EDTA + PIPS (EDTA) group. Each group was divided into four subgroups for assessment: (i) dentin cleanliness; (ii) dentin microhardness; (iii) cell attachment morphology; and (iv) viable SCAP quantification.ResultsCompared with the control groups, the NaOCl + EDTA + PIPS (EDTA) group showed higher efficiency in smear layer removal and in increasing SCAP viability with more stretched cellular morphology. There were no statistically significant differences in either smear layer removal effect, dentin microhardness, attachment morphology, or survival of SCAP among the other groups when optimized with PIPS (distilled water or EDTA) (P > 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings indicated that irrigation optimized with PIPS activation of EDTA for 40 seconds was conducive to smear layer removal without additional dentin microhardness decrease. Additionally, this irrigation created more cell‐friendly dentin conditioning than other approaches, which was beneficial for the attachment and survival of SCAP. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Novel Application of the 730 and 785 nm Picosecond Titanium Sapphire Lasers for the Treatment of Nevus of Ota
Authors: Loh Tiffany Y. , Wu Douglas C. 
Published: March 2021

Background and ObjectivesNevus of Ota is a benign dermal melanocytosis that may pose significant psychosocial distress to patients. Q‐switched nanosecond lasers have traditionally been considered the first‐line treatment but pain, bleeding, and postinflammatory pigmentary alteration are common adverse effects. Picosecond devices have been increasingly used to treat nevus of Ota with promising results. We present two cases demonstrating novel applications of the 730 and 785 nm picosecond titanium sapphire lasers for the treatment of nevus of Ota in two patients with types III and IV skin.Study Design/Materials and MethodsA 730 and 785 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser with pulse durations of 250 and 300 picoseconds, respectively, were used to treat two cases of nevus of Ota. Four to seven treatment sessions were conducted at monthly intervals, and follow‐up evaluation was performed 1–3 months following the final treatment session.ResultsBoth cases demonstrated greater than 75% clearance following treatment. There were no adverse events or pigmentary alteration noted as a result of picosecond titanium sapphire laser treatment.ConclusionsThe 730 and 785 nm picosecond titanium sapphire lasers are safe and effective for the treatment of nevus of Ota. Lasers Surg. Med. 00:00–00, 2021. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Methods to improve quantitative glycoprotein coverage from bottom‐up LC‐MS data
Authors: Chang Deborah , Zaia Joseph 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAdvances in mass spectrometry instrumentation, methods development, and bioinformatics have greatly improved the ease and accuracy of site‐specific, quantitative glycoproteomics analysis. Data‐dependent acquisition is the most popular method for identification and quantification of glycopeptides; however, complete coverage of glycosylation site glycoforms remains elusive with this method. Targeted acquisition methods improve the precision and accuracy of quantification, but at the cost of throughput and discoverability. Data‐independent acquisition (DIA) holds great promise for more complete and highly quantitative site‐specific glycoproteomics analysis, while maintaining the ability to discover novel glycopeptides without prior knowledge. We review additional features that can be used to increase selectivity and coverage to the DIA workflow: retention time modeling, which would simplify the interpretation of complex tandem mass spectra, and ion mobility separation, which would maximize the sampling of all precursors at a giving chromatographic retention time. The instrumentation and bioinformatics to incorporate these features into glycoproteomics analysis exist. These improvements in quantitative, site‐specific analysis will enable researchers to assess glycosylation similarity in related biological systems, answering new questions about the interplay between glycosylation state and biological function.
Insights on the structure–function relationship of human multidrug resistance protein 7 (MRP7/ABCC10) from molecular dynamics simulations and docking studies
Authors: Wang Jing‐Quan , Cui Qingbin , Lei Zi‐Ning , Teng Qiu‐Xu , Ji Ning , Lin Lusheng , Liu Zhijun , Chen Zhe‐Sheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters superfamily mediates multidrug resistance in cancer by extruding structurally distinct chemotherapeutic agents, causing failure in chemotherapy. Among the 49 ABC transporters, multidrug resistance protein 7 (MRP7 or ABCC10) is relatively new and has been identified as the efflux pump of multiple anticancer agents including Vinca alkaloids and taxanes. Herein, we construct and validate a homology model for human MRP7 based on the cryo‐EM structures of MRP1. Structure–function relationship of MRP7 was obtained from molecular dynamics simulations and docking studies and was in accordance with previous studies of ABC transporters. The motion patterns correlated with efflux mechanism were discussed. Additionally, predicted substrate‐ and modulator‐binding sites of MRP7 were described for the first time, which provided rational insights in understanding the drug binding and functional regulation in MRP7. Our findings will benefit the high‐throughput virtual screening and development of MRP7 modulators in the future.
The impact of time‐varying sea surface temperature on UK regional atmosphere forecasts
Authors: Mahmood Sana , Lewis Huw , Arnold Alex , Castillo Juan , Sanchez Claudio , Harris Chris 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA new approach to improve the ocean surface boundary condition used in regional numerical weather prediction is proposed. Typically, regional atmosphere forecast systems assume a fixed sea surface temperature during a simulation. The study assesses the use of ocean temperature from an operational regional ocean model as an evolving lower boundary in a kilometre‐scale regional atmosphere configuration centred on the UK. Simulations of a winter and two five day duration summer case studies associated with anomalously warm temperatures are considered. The largest impact is found in summer, when a growing cold bias in mean temperature over land compared with observations is apparent when using a fixed global‐scale analysis lower boundary condition. The mean error is improved by 0.1 K when using a fixed temperature boundary condition from a kilometre‐scale regional ocean model initial condition. When using hourly surface temperature data from the same regional ocean model, the error is improved by 0.5 K for this case. Prediction of daytime maximum air temperature is also improved during the summer heat wave cases. A winter case study shows marginal improvement over the ocean and negligible changes over land. These results are confirmed in longer duration experiments using an hourly cycling regional forecast system with data assimilation for summer and winter periods. A systematic and statistically significant improvement of near‐surface temperature verification relative to the observations over land is demonstrated for both summer and winter using the new approach. This study supports future operational implementation of a time‐varying lower boundary for regional numerical weather prediction.
Sub‐ppb nitrogen dioxide detection based on resonant photoacoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Yi , Liu Qiang , Zha Shenlong , Qiu Xuanbing , Chang Hong , Feng Shiling , Guo Guqing , He Xiaohu , He Qiusheng , Li Chuanliang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA photoacoustic spectroscopy sensor for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) detection was presented based on a high‐power broadband blue diode laser emitting at 446 nm. An optical chopper was replaced by a transistor transistor logic modulation signal generated by the signal generator to reduce mechanical noise. The detection limit of NO2 sensor system reached to 46 ppt by the Allan variance analysis on the benefit of reflection‐enhanced. A continuous detection of NO2 in the atmosphere for 48 h was implemented in collaboration with an adaptive Kalman filter for lessening the noise in the measurement. The experimental results were highly consistent with the data of the China National Environmental Monitoring Center, demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of our NO2 sensor system. This work provides a promising method for NO2 and other atmospheric pollution gasses.
ReUINet: A fast GNL distortion correction approach on a 1.0 T MRI‐Linac scanner
Authors: Shan Shanshan , Li Mao , Li Mingyan , Tang Fangfang , Crozier Stuart , Liu Feng 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe hybrid system combining a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner with a linear accelerator (Linac) has become increasingly desirable for tumor treatment because of excellent soft tissue contrast and nonionizing radiation. However, image distortions caused by gradient nonlinearity (GNL) can have detrimental impacts on real‐time radiotherapy using MRI‐Linac systems, where accurate geometric information of tumors is essential.MethodsIn this work, we proposed a deep convolutional neural network‐based method to efficiently recover undistorted images (ReUINet) for real‐time image guidance. The ReUINet, based on the encoder‐decoder structure, was created to learn the relationship between the undistorted images and distorted images. The ReUINet was pretrained and tested on a publically available brain MR image dataset acquired from 23 volunteers. Then, transfer learning was adopted to implement the pretrained model (i.e., network with optimal weights) on the experimental three‐dimensional (3D) grid phantom and in‐vivo pelvis image datasets acquired from the 1.0 T Australian MRI‐Linac system.ResultsEvaluations on the phantom (768 slices) and pelvis data (88 slices) showed that the ReUINet achieved improvement over 15 times and 45 times on computational efficiency in comparison with standard interpolation and GNL‐encoding methods, respectively. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative results demonstrated that the ReUINet provided better correction results than the standard interpolation method, and comparable performance compared to the GNL‐encoding approach.ConclusionsValidated by simulation and experimental results, the proposed ReUINet showed promise in obtaining accurate MR images for the implementation of real‐time MRI‐guided radiotherapy.
High‐resolution sodium imaging using anatomical and sparsity constraints for denoising and recovery of novel features
Authors: Zhao Yibo , Guo Rong , Li Yudu , Thulborn Keith R. , Liang Zhi‐Pei 
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo develop and evaluate a novel method for reconstruction of high‐quality sodium MR images from noisy, limited k‐space data.Theory and MethodsA novel reconstruction method was developed for reconstruction of high‐quality sodium images from noisy, limited k‐space data. This method is based on a novel image model that contains a motion‐compensated generalized series model and a sparse model. The motion‐compensated generalized series model enables effective use of anatomical information from a proton image for denoising and resolution enhancement of sodium data, whereas the sparse model enables high‐resolution reconstruction of sodium‐dependent novel features. The underlying model estimation problems were solved efficiently using convex optimization algorithms.ResultsThe proposed method has been evaluated using both simulation and experimental data obtained from phantoms, healthy human volunteers, and tumor patients. Results showed a substantial improvement in spatial resolution and SNR over state‐of‐the‐art reconstruction methods, including compressed sensing and anatomically constrained reconstruction methods. Quantitative tissue sodium concentration maps were obtained from both healthy volunteers and brain tumor patients. These tissue sodium concentration maps showed improved lesion fidelity and allowed accurate interrogation of small targets.ConclusionA new method has been developed to obtain high‐resolution sodium images with good SNR at 3 T. The proposed method makes effective use of anatomical prior information for denoising, while using a sparse model synergistically to recover sodium‐dependent novel features. Experimental results have been obtained to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving high‐quality tissue sodium concentration maps and their potential for improved detection of spatially heterogeneous responses of tumor to treatment.
Investigating plasma volume expanders as novel macromolecular MRI‐CEST contrast agents for tumor contrast‐enhanced imaging
Authors: Consolino Lorena , Irrera Pietro , Romdhane Feriel , Anemone Annasofia , Longo Dario Livio 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate two clinically approved plasma volume expanders (dextran 70 and voluven) as macromolecular MRI‐chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast agents to assess tumor vascular properties.MethodsCEST contrast efficiency of both molecules (6% w/v) was measured in vitro at various irradiation saturation powers (1‐6 μT for 5 s) and pH values (range, 5.5‐7.9) and the exchange rate of hydroxyl protons was calculated. In vivo studies in a murine adenocarcinoma model (n = 4 mice for each contrast agent) upon i.v. injection provided CEST‐derived perfusion tumor properties that were compared with those obtained with a gadolinium‐based blood‐pool agent (Gd‐AAZTA‐Madec).ResultsIn vitro measurements showed a marked CEST contrast dependency to pH, with higher CEST contrast at lower pH values for both molecules. The measured prototropic exchange rates confirmed a base‐catalyzed exchange rate that was faster for dextran 70 in comparison to voluven. Both molecules showed a similar CEST contrast increase (ΔST% > 3%) in the tumor tissue up to 30 min postinjection, with heterogeneous accumulation. In tumors receiving both CEST and T1‐weighted agents, a voxel‐by‐voxel analysis indicated moderate spatial correlation of perfusion properties between voluven/dextran 70 and Gd‐AAZTA‐Madec, suggesting different distribution patterns according to their molecular size.ConclusionsThe obtained results showed that both voluven and dextran 70 can be exploited as MRI‐CEST contrast agents for evaluating tumor enhancement properties. Their increased accumulation in tumors and prolonged contrast enhancement promote their use as blood‐pool MRI‐CEST agents to examine tumor vascularization.
Surface modification on ammonium polyphosphate and its enhanced flame retardancy in thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Zhang Jingfan , Wang Huqun , Sun Wenxiang , Zhang Zhiyuan , Li Hongfei , Zhang Sheng , Sun Jun , Gu Xiaoyu 
Published: March 2021

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is an effective flame retardant in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In order to further enhance the flame retardant efficiency of APP, it was coated with graphene oxide (GO) and melamine formaldehyde (MF) successively, by using 5 wt% end product of MF‐GO@APP in TPU, the sample produced little dripping during burning and reached UL‐94V‐0 grade, peak smoke production rate was reduced from 0.132 m2/s in TPU to 0.051 m2/s, that was 61.4% decrease. Neat TPU burned out with little residue left, but by the help of 5 wt% MF‐GO@APP, 24.4 wt% of char was left. These results were tried to be analyzed as relative higher heat conductivity of GO, in heating GO transferred more heat to APP and MF, resulting in earlier degradation of APP and MF, the decomposed product of MF and APP cross‐linked together to form more compact char above substrate. MF‐GO@APP acted as an integrated intumescent flame retardant.
Creep behavior of latania natural fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites at elevated temperatures
Authors: Ghorbani Javad , Daghigh Vahid , Rahmati Sadegh , Mahdian Mahdi , Daghigh Hamid 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUnique properties of natural fibers have made them strong sustainable materials in reinforcing composites. Latania natural fibers, recently compared to jute natural fibers, have shown a better mechanical performance in reinforcing polymer composites. Latania natural fiber‐reinforced epoxy (LFRE) laminated composites were studied under creep loads at elevated temperatures. The creep tests were performed at temperatures of 80 and 100°C and were subjected to 35% of the ultimate tensile strength. The failure time, initial strain, strain rate, and Larson–Miller constant for specimens were evaluated. The results suggested that change in temperature affected both the initial strain and the failure time. Scanning electron microscopy images were used to investigate the failure mechanisms of LFRE composites subjected to creep loads. The results of this study can be used as a benchmark in designing bio‐composite structures in which latania natural fibers are used.
Twenty‐four‐hour pretreatment with low dose (0.25 mg/kg/dose) versus high dose (0.5 mg/kg/dose) dexamethasone in reducing the risk of postextubation airway obstruction in children: A randomized open‐label noninferiority trial
Authors: Parajuli Biraj , Baranwal Arun K. , Kumar‐M Praveen , Jayashree Muralidharan , Takia Lalit 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveMultidose dexamethasone pretreatment reduces risk of postextubation airway obstruction (PEAO). However, its optimal dose is not known. We planned to compare 24 h pretreatment with low‐dose dexamethasone (LDD) (0.25 mg/kg/dose) versus high‐dose dexamethasone (HDD) (0.5 mg/kg/dose) in reducing risk of PEAO.DesignStratified (for age and intubation duration) randomized open‐label noninferiority trial.SettingFifteen‐bed pediatric intensive care unit in a lower‐middle‐income country.PatientsChildren (3 months–12 years) intubated for more than or equal to 48 h and planned for first extubation (February 17–March 19). Upper airway conditions, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic NSAID therapy, steroid, or intravenous immunoglobulin in the last 7 days, presence of gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, and hyperglycemia were exclusions.InterventionsLDD (n = 144) or HDD (n = 143) (q6h) for a total of six doses. Extubation was planned immediately after fifth dose. Noninferiority margin was kept at 12% from baseline.
A new l‐arginine oxidase engineered from l‐glutamate oxidase
Authors: Yano Yoshika , Matsuo Shinsaku , Ito Nanako , Tamura Takashi , Kusakabe Hitoshi , Inagaki Kenji , Imada Katsumi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe alternation of substrate specificity expands the application range of enzymes in industrial, medical, and pharmaceutical fields. l‐Glutamate oxidase (LGOX) from Streptomyces sp. X‐119‐6 catalyzes the oxidative deamination of l‐glutamate to produce 2‐ketoglutarate with ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. LGOX shows strict substrate specificity for l‐glutamate. Previous studies on LGOX revealed that Arg305 in its active site recognizes the side chain of l‐glutamate, and replacement of Arg305 by other amino acids drastically changes the substrate specificity of LGOX. Here we demonstrate that the R305E mutant variant of LGOX exhibits strict specificity for l‐arginine. The oxidative deamination activity of LGOX to l‐arginine is higher than that of l‐arginine oxidase form from Pseudomonas sp. TPU 7192. X‐ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the guanidino group of l‐arginine is recognized not only by Glu305 but also Asp433, Trp564, and Glu617, which interact with Arg305 in wild‐type LGOX. Multiple interactions by these residues provide strict specificity and high activity of LGOX R305E toward l‐arginine. LGOX R305E is a thermostable and pH stable enzyme. The amount of hydrogen peroxide, which is a byproduct of oxidative deamination of l‐arginine by LGOX R305E, is proportional to the concentration of l‐arginine in a range from 0 to 100 μM. The linear relationship is maintained around 1 μM of l‐arginine. Thus, LGOX R305E is suitable for the determination of l‐arginine.