bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does environmental regulation policy help improve green production performance? Evidence from China's industry
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Yue‐Jun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractEnvironmental regulation (ER) policy is an effective means to improve green production performance (GPP), but how ER policy will affect China's GPP remains to be studied. Therefore, with the panel data of 38 industrial sectors in China during 2004–2015, we employ the continuous difference in difference method and system generalised method of moment method to estimate the impact of ER policy on GPP in the heavily polluting sectors of China. The empirical results show that first, the implementation of ER policy does not significantly improve GPP of heavily polluting sectors during the sample period. Among them, the external technological progress and export learning effect are important factors that hinder their GPP. Second, ER has no lag effect on GPP of 38 industrial sectors, and the increase in research and development investment does not significantly improve GPP. Finally, foreign direct investment has promoted GPP in China's industrial sectors to some extent.
A modified flow cytometry method for objective estimation of human CD4+ regulatory T cells (CD4+ Tregs) in peripheral blood, via CD4/CD25/CD45RO/FoxP3 labeling
Authors: Petsiou Asimina , Paschou Stavroula A. , Vartholomatos Georgios , Chatzigianni Katerina , Kolaitis Nikolaos , Giotaki Eleni , Bondinas George P. , Moustakas Antonis K. , Karamoutsios Achilleas , Zervou Eleftheria , Tigas Stelios , Tsatsoulis Agathocles , Papadopoulos George K. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral methods exist for flow‐cytometric estimation of human peripheral blood CD4+ T regulatory cells (CD4+ Tregs).MethodsWe report our experience with the estimation of human CD4+ Tregs via three different characterizations using flow cytometry (CD25highFoxP3+, CD25highCD127low/−FoxP3+, and CD4+CD25high/intCD45ROFoxP3+) in normal subjects. We have used these methods on the control populations from two studies (32 and 36 subjects, respectively), the latter two methods retrospectively on the subjects of the first study. The six CD4+ T cell fractions obtained by the third method were differentially colored to ascertain the distribution of these cell fractions in the CD25/FoxP3, CD45RO/FoxP3, and CD25/CD127 dot plots from CD4/CD25/CD45RO/FoxP3 and CD4/CD25/CD45RO/CD127 panels.ResultsEach approach gives significantly different estimates of Tregs (expressed as percentage of CD4+ T cells), with the second almost invariably yielding higher percentages than the other two. Only the third approach can distinguish among effector and naïve Tregs and FoxP3+ non‐Tregs. Analysis of CD25/CD127 dot plots reveals that Treg delineation via the widely used definition of CD4+CD25highCD127low/− cells unavoidably yields a mixture of nearly all effector and most of naïve Tregs, as well as FoxP3+ non‐Tregs plus other cells. Delineation of effector/naïve Tregs and FoxP3+ non‐Tregs is possible via CD45RO/CD25 dot plots but not by CD45RO/FoxP3 counterparts (as done previously) because of overlapping FoxP3 intensities among Tregs and non‐Tregs.ConclusionOur comparison shows that CD4/CD25/CD45RO/FoxP3 panels are an objective means of estimating effector and naïve Tregs via colored dot plots, aiding thus in Treg delineation in health and detecting aberrations in disease.
Diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria with flowcytometry panels including CD157: Data from the real world
Authors: Zhang Yuesheng , Ding Jing , Gu Haihui , Guo Mengqiao , Wu Jiawei , Xu Huangmeng , Wang Ziwei , Yang Jianmin , Tang Gusheng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have used CD157 in white blood cells with or without proaerolysin (fluorescein‐labeled proaerolysin [FLAER])‐based flow cytometry assays in the diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).MethodsWe designed a seven‐color CD marker panel comprising FLAER, CD15, CD64, CD24, CD14, CD157, and CD45 to verify CD157's clinical applicability and diagnostic performance in a clinical setting.ResultsA total of 356 samples were tested. These included 43 PNH‐positive samples and 313 PNH‐negative samples. PNH clones confirmed by the CD157/FLAER combination were almost identical in size to the clones detected by the CD24/CD14/FLAER combination, and the accuracy of the CD157/FLAER combination was 100% in granulocytes and 99.7% in monocytes. Substitution of FLAER with CD157 resulted in 1.9% and 3.5% false‐positives in granulocytes and monocytes, respectively. The accuracy was 98.3% and 96.9% in granulocytes and monocytes, respectively. Moreover, the loss of CD157 expression in granulocytes and monocytes was commonly observed in non‐PNH patients. Some monocytes in non‐PNH patients had weak expression of CD14 but normal expression of FLAER. In this study, PNH clones in granulocytes were always lower than those in matched monocytes.ConclusionsWe performed the first prospective exploration of the clinical usefulness of FLAER and CD157 in simultaneously recognizing PNH clones in granulocytes and monocytes and verified the applicability of CD157 in substitute for both CD14 and CD24. In the conditions where FLAER is not available, substitution of FLAER with CD157 is acceptable for the identification of PNH clones under the premise of giving full attention to the potential for false‐positives.
Positional Information—A concept underpinning our understanding of developmental biology
Authors: Vargesson Neil 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt is now 50 years since Lewis Wolpert published the paper in which he set out the concept of Positional Information to explain how spatial patterns of cellular differentiation are generated. This concept has provided a universal model for pattern formation in embryonic development and regeneration and become part of the fabric of the field of developmental biology. Here I outline how Wolpert devised the concept of Positional Information and describe landmark studies from his lab investigating how Positional Information is specified in the developing chick limb.
The acquisition of positional information across the radial axis of the cochlea
Authors: Munnamalai Vidhya , Fekete Donna M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe mammalian cochlea detects sound and transmits this information to the brain. A cross section through the cochlea reveals functionally distinct epithelial domains arrayed around the circumference of a fluid‐filled duct. Six major domains include two on the roof of the duct (Reissner's membrane medially and the stria vascularis laterally) and four across the floor of the duct, including the medial and lateral halves of the sensory domain, the organ of Corti. These radial domains are distinguishable in the embryonic cochlea by differential expression of transcription factors, and we focus here on a subset of the factors that can influence cochlear fates. We then move upstream of these genes to identify which of five signaling pathways (Notch, Fgf, Wnt, Bmp, and Shh) controls their spatial patterns of expression. We link the signaling pathways to their downstream genes, separating them by their radial position, to create putative gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from two time points, before and during the time when six radial compartments arise. These GRNs offer a framework for understanding the acquisition of positional information across the radial axis of the cochlea, and to guide therapeutic approaches to repair or regenerate distinct cochlear components that may contribute to hearing loss.
Winter recreation and Canada lynx: reducing conflict through niche partitioning
Authors: Squires John R. , Olson Lucretia E. , Roberts Elizabeth K. , Ivan Jacob S. , Hebblewhite Mark 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOutdoor recreationists are important advocates for wildlife on public lands. However, balancing potential impacts associated with increased human disturbance with the conservation of sensitive species is a central issue facing ecologists and land managers alike, especially for dispersed winter recreation due to its disproportionate impact to wildlife. We studied how dispersed winter recreation (outside developed ski areas) impacted a reintroduced meso‐carnivore, Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), at the southern periphery of the species’ range in the southern Rocky Mountains. On a voluntary basis, we distributed global positioning system (GPS) units to winter recreationists and documented 2143 spatial movement tracks of recreationists engaged in motorized and nonmotorized winter sports for a total cumulative distance of 56,000 km from 2010 to 2013. We also deployed GPS radio collars on adult Canada lynx that were resident in the mountainous topography that attracted high levels of dispersed winter recreation. We documented that resource‐selection models (RSFs) for Canada lynx were significantly improved when selection patterns of winter recreationists were included in best‐performing models. Canada lynx and winter recreationists partitioned environmental gradients in ways that reduced the potential for recreation‐related disturbance. Although the inclusion of recreation improved the RSF model for Canada lynx, environmental covariates explained most variation in resource use. The environmental gradients that most separated areas selected by Canada lynx from those used by recreationists were forest canopy closure, road density, and slope. Canada lynx also exhibited a functional response of increased avoidance of areas selected by motorized winter recreationists (snowmobiling off‐trail, hybrid snowmobile) compared with either no functional response (hybrid ski) or selection for (backcountry skiing) areas suitable for nonmotorized winter recreation. We conclude with a discussion of implications associated with providing winter recreation balanced with the conservation of Canada lynx.
Impact of extreme events on conversion efficiency of wave energy converter
Authors: Chakraborty Tilottama , Majumder Mrinmoy 
Published: October 2019

AbstractUncontrolled high emission of greenhouse gases due to the use of fossil fuels has high impact on global warming. Due to this global warming, the earth's temperature is increasing and consequently has changed the patterns of various natural phenomena such as wave height and wind speed. Wave power energy resources are ideal alternative to reduce the effects of global warming and climate change. One of the major obstacles lies in the fact that the occurrence of extreme events can jeopardize the wave power plant suspended in the ocean waves. In order to better understand the impact of extreme events on the wave energy generation, a comprehensive analysis of utilization efficiency of wave energy converters with respect to extreme events was conducted in the present investigation with the help of utilization efficiency function (UEF) as an indicative index function. The effect of the extreme events was simulated by the polynomial neural network (PNN) architectures, and change in UEF in the future scenarios was noted. According to the results, the maximum impact on the utilization efficiency of the WEC was observed in the time slab of 2050‐2060, where 5.1% change in utilization efficiency was observed.
A study on a near‐shore cantilevered sea wave energy harvester with a variable cross section
Authors: Zhang Jinfeng , Xie Xiangdong , Song Gangbing , Du Guofeng , Liu Dezheng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA cantilevered piezoelectric coupled energy harvester with variable cross section is proposed to obtain the electric power from the longitudinal motion of the near‐shore sea wave. In order to describe the practical process of the sea wave energy harvesting, a mathematical model of the harvester is established based on Airy linear wave theory and Bessel equations to calculate the output charge, voltage, current, and power. Compared to traditional cantilever harvesters with uniform cross section, this harvesting device has a larger energy harvesting efficiency for its more uniform and bigger surface strain in the action of the sea wave. The computation results show a root mean square (RMS) of electric power of 132.6 W can be reached up with the cantilever height, the wave height, and the wavelength of 2.5, 2, and 12.5 m, respectively, which is 2.41 times of those of the traditional cantilever harvester with uniform cross section. In addition, the output powers of the harvester in tiding and in array are also discussed. This research provided a new practical and efficient method of harvesting near‐shore sea wave energy to supply the electric power demand of the households near seaside.
Combining of transcriptome and metabolome analyses for understanding the utilization and metabolic pathways of Xylo‐oligosaccharide in Bifidobacterium adolescentis ATCC 15703
Authors: Yang Jian , Tang Qilong , Xu Lei , Li Zhijiang , Ma Yongqiang , Yao Di 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA combination of transcriptome and metabolome analyses was applied to understand the utilization and metabolism of Xylo‐oligosaccharide (XOS) in Bifidobacterium adolescentis 15703 as well as identifying the key regulatory‐related genes and metabolites. Samples of cultures grown on either XOS or xylose were collected. The transcript and metabolite profiles were obtained from high‐throughput RNA‐sequencing data analysis and UHPLC system. Compared with xylose, XOS highly promoted the growth of B. adolescentis 15703 and resulted in a growth yield about 1.5‐fold greater than xylose. The transcriptome analysis showed that XOS could enhance genes, including ABC transporters, galactosidase, xylosidase, glucosidase, and amylase, which were involved in transport and metabolism of carbohydrate compared with xylose. Furthermore, the expression profile of 16 candidate genes using qRT‐PCR has validated the accuracy of the RNA‐seq data. Also, the metabolomic analyses, particularly those related to metabolic biomarkers of fatty acids, amino acids, and sugars showed a similar trend of result and approved the advantages of XOS as growth medium for B. adolescentis 15703 compared with xylose. The expression and abundance of specific genes and metabolites highlighted the complex regulatory mechanisms involved in utilization of XOS by B. adolescentis 15703. These results are useful in the understanding of the metabolic pathway of XOS in B. adolescentis 15703 and contribute to the optimization of XOS probiotic effects as a food additive.
Functional characteristics and microbiological viability of foam‐mat dried Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) yogurt from reconstituted Bambara groundnut milk powder
Authors: Hardy Zolelwa , Jideani Victoria A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe functional, nutritional, and physical characteristics of foam‐mat dried Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) yogurt were investigated. Bambara groundnut powdered yogurt (BGNPY) was produced using Bambara groundnut milk powder (BGNMP) and Bambara groundnut milk (BGNM). BGNMP was reconstituted with water (1:5). The reconstituted BGN milk (BGNM‐R) and original nonreconstituted BGNM (BGNM‐NR) were inoculated with normal yogurt culture while held at a temperature of 45°C and incubated for 24 hr at 35°C. The BGN yogurts were dried employing the foam‐mat drying process with gum arabic (6%) and methylcellulose (0.5%) as foaming agents and dried at 50°C for 24 hr. The BGN powdered yogurt from reconstituted milk (BGNPY‐RM) and BGN powdered yogurt from nonreconstituted milk (BGNPY‐NRM) were evaluated for functional, nutritional, thermal, and physical characteristics. Water absorption (1.27 and 1.31 g/g) and water solubility (73.3. and 71.22 100/g) index of the powdered yogurts did not differ significantly, while a significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed for the Tg of BGNPY‐R and BGNPY‐NR. Nutrient composition of BGNPY‐R and BGNPY‐NR had no significant (p > 0.05) difference, while ash differed significantly (p < 0.05). Particle size and particle size distribution of BGNPY‐R and BGNPY‐NR had no significant (p > 0.05) difference. Probiotic viability of BGNPY‐R (7.2 log cfu/ml) remained above the minimum recommended dosage (6 log cfu/ml).
Functional–structural relationship in large‐scale brain networks of patients with end stage renal disease after kidney transplantation: A longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Hui J. , Wang Yun F. , Wen Jiqiu , Xu Qiang , Lu Guang M. , Zhang Long J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt is unclear how the brain network changed after kidney transplantation (KT). We explored the patterns of large‐scale complex network after KT in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Twenty‐one ESRD patients (14 men; mean age, 31.5 ± 9.9 years) scheduled for KT and 17 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HC) (8 men; mean age, 28.9 ± 7.2 years) were enrolled in this study. Each participant underwent rs‐fMRI and DTI scans in three time points (pre‐KT, 1 and 6 months after KT [for ESRD]). Graph theory analysis was used to characterize the topological properties by using functional and structural network connectivities intergroup correlation analysis was performed between functional/structural MR indexes and clinical markers. Compared with HC, pre‐KT ESRD patients showed an altered topological organization in both functional and structural networks. Compared with pre‐KT, increased node degree and node efficiency were observed for both functional and structural networks at 1 month after KT (all p < .05), which were further increased at 6 months after KT (p < .05). Both functional and structural networks did not recover completely at 6 months after KT (all p < .05). The patients showed an increased functional–structural connectivity coupling at 1 month after KT compared with HC (p = .041). A trend of progressive recovery of functional and structural connectivity networks was observed in ERSD patients after KT, which did not recover to the normal levels even in 6 months after KT. The study results underlie cognitive function recovery in ESRD patients following KT in the neuropathophysiological perspective.
Rapid head and neck tissue identification in thyroid and parathyroid surgery using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Yang Nathan , Boudoux Caroline , De Montigny Etienne , Maniakas Anastasios , Gologan Olga , Madore Wendy‐Julie , Khullar Sharmila , Guertin Louis , Christopoulos Apostolos , Bissada Eric , Ayad Tareck 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundOptical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging modality that may reproduce the microarchitecture of tissues in real‐time. This study examines whether OCT can render distinct images of thyroid, parathyroid glands, adipose tissue, and lymph nodes in both healthy and pathological states.MethodsTwenty‐seven patients undergoing thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, and/or neck dissection for thyroid cancer were recruited prospectively for imaging prior to histopathological analysis.ResultsBased on 122 imaged specimens, qualitative OCT descriptions were derived for healthy thyroid, parathyroid gland, adipose tissue, and lymph node. The frequencies at which distinguishing features were present for each tissue type were 88%, 83%, 100%, and 82%. OCT appearance of pathological specimens were also described.ConclusionsHealthy neck tissues have distinct OCT appearances, which could facilitate parathyroid identification during thyroidectomies. However, images of parathyroid adenomas could be confused with those of lymph nodes, and benign and malignant thyroid nodules could not be differentiated.
Is hippocampal remapping the physiological basis for context?
Authors: Kubie John L. , Levy Eliott R. J. , Fenton André A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn 1980, Nadel and Wilner extended Richard Hirsh's notion that the hippocampus creates environmental representations, called “contexts,” suggesting that the fundamental structure of context was the spatial representation proposed by O'Keefe and Nadel's landmark book, The Hippocampus as a Cognitive Map (1978). This book, in turn, derives from the discovery that individual hippocampal neurons act as place cells, with the complete set of place cells tiling an enclosure, forming a type of spatial map. It was found that unique environments had unique place cell representations. That is, if one takes the hippocampal map of a specific environment, this representation scrambles, or “remaps” when the animal is placed in a different environment. Several authors have speculated that “maps” and “remapping” form the physiological substrates for context and context shifting. One difficulty with this definition is that it is exclusively spatial; it can only be inferred when an animal locomotes in an enclosure. There are five aims for this article. The first is to give an historical overview of context as a variable that controls behavior. The second aim is to give an historical overview of concepts of place cell maps and remapping. The third aim is to propose an updated definition of a place cell map, based on temporal rather than spatial overlaps, which adds flexibility. The fourth aim is to address the issue of whether the biological phenomenon of hippocampal remapping, is, in fact, the substrate for shifts in the psychological phenomenon of context. The final aim is speculation of how contextual representations may contribute to effective behavior.
Event conjunction: How the hippocampus integrates episodic memories across event boundaries
Authors: Griffiths Benjamin J. , Fuentemilla Lluís 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOur lives are a continuous stream of experience. Our episodic memories on the other hand have a definitive beginning, middle, and end. Theories of event segmentation suggest that salient changes in our environment produce event boundaries which partition the past from the present and, as a result, produce discretized memories. However, event boundaries cannot completely discretize two memories; any shared conceptual link will lead to the rapid integration of these memories. Here, we present a new framework inspired by electrophysiological research that resolves this apparent contradiction. At its heart, the framework proposes that hippocampal theta‐gamma coupling maintains a highly abstract model of an ongoing event and serves to encode this model as an episodic memory. When a second but related event begins, this theta‐gamma model is rapidly reconstructed within the hippocampus where new details of the second event can be appended to the existing event model. The event conjunction framework is the first electrophysiological explanation of how event memories can be formed at, and integrated across, event boundaries.