Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen balance in century-old wheat experiments

Abstract: Managing nitrogen (N) inputs to sustain high yields while minimizing losses to adjacent environments remains among the foremost aims in agroecosystems. We studied the N balance in a study established in 1911 at Lethbridge, AB, Canada. The experiment includes three cropping systems — continuous wheat (W), fallow–wheat–wheat (FWW), and fallow–wheat (FW) — with a factorial of two N rates (0 and 45 kg N ha-1) and two phosphorus (P) rates (0 and 20 kg P ha-1) superimposed beginning in 1967. In unfertilized subplots, grain yields generally increased for the first eight decades, but then declined, perhaps partly because of growing N deficiency. Yield response to N increased over time, especially under continuous cropping and when co-applied with P. Soil N concentration in the surface 15 cm declined in the first few decades, and then approached an apparent steady state. Application of N increased soil N, roughly in proportion to the amount of residue returned. For the first half-century (1911–1967), N removal was approximately equivalent to the loss of soil N in the surface 15 cm. Since then, however, when the soil organic N was near steady state, removals of N in grain exceeded N inputs by approximately 20–30 kg N ha-1 yr-1, suggesting an input from outside sources, perhaps partly from atmospheric NH3. This study demonstrated the importance of long-term experiments in evaluating the N balance of cropping systems, and indicated the potential significance of non-fertilizer N inputs from outside sources in such ecosystems.
Incident Radiative Heat Flux Based Method for the Coupled Run Length Simulation of Steam Cracking Furnaces

Due to the significant economic penalty associated with decoking steam cracking furnaces, accurate run length predictions are crucial for assessing their techno-economic performance. Therefore, for the first time, a full coupled run length simulation of an industrial naphtha steam cracking furnace was performed using detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for the furnace side. The results show that the unevenly deposited coke layer within the reactors leads to a redistribution of the thermal power over the time on stream, which is beneficial for the uniformity of the coke growth in the reactor. These effects were not observed in traditional standalone run length simulations, which justifies the high computational cost. However, the high computational cost of these CFD iterations can be overcome by using a novel method which correlates the incident radiative heat flux (IRHF) to the flue gas bridge wall temperature obtained from an overall zero-dimensional heat balance. This so-called IRHF .
A Pro-Tumorigenic Effect of Heparanase 2 (Hpa2) in Thyroid Carcinoma Involves Its Localization to the Nuclear Membrane

Activity of the endo-beta-glucuronidase heparanase, capable of cleaving heparan sulfate (HS), is most often elevated in many types of tumors, associating with increased tumor metastasis and decreased patients’ survival. Heparanase is therefore considered to be a valid drug target, and heparanase inhibitors are being evaluated clinically in cancer patients. Heparanase 2 (Hpa2) is a close homolog of heparanase that gained very little attention, likely because it lacks HS-degrading activity typical of heparanase. The role of Hpa2 in cancer was not examined in detail. In head and neck cancer, high levels of Hpa2 are associated with decreased tumor cell dissemination to regional lymph nodes and prolonged patients’ survival, suggesting that Hpa2 functions to attenuate tumor growth. Here, we examined the role of Hpa2 in normal thyroid tissue and in benign thyroid tumor, non-metastatic, and metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) utilizing immunostaining in correlation with clinicopathological parameters. Interestingly, we found that Hpa2 staining intensity does not significantly change in the transition from normal thyroid gland to benign, non-metastatic, or metastatic thyroid carcinoma. Remarkably, we observed that in some biopsies, Hpa2 is accumulating on the membrane (envelop) of the nucleus and termed this cellular localization NM (nuclear membrane). Notably, NM localization of Hpa2 occurred primarily in metastatic PTC and was associated with an increased number of positive (metastatic) lymph nodes collected at surgery. These results describe for the first time unrecognized localization of Hpa2 to the nuclear membrane, implying that in PTC, Hpa2 functions to promote tumor metastasis.
Academic Leadership in the Time of COVID-19—Experiences and Perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a sharp reminder that large scale, unpredictable events always bring about profound changes with significant consequences on many levels. In light of lockdown measures taken in many countries across the world to control the spread of the virus, academics were “forced” to adapt and move to online settings all teaching, mentoring, research, and support activities. Academic leaders in higher education had to make decisions and to act quickly how were they to manage large educational communities, addressing students', teachers', and staff's needs, as well as society's needs. Using an inductive approach, our study seeks to highlight the main challenges faced by university leaders and to understand their responses to those challenges. The current study aims to investigate perceptions and experiences of academic leaders in a University in Romania during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our foci were the processes underlying their leadership decisions and actions during the second part of the 2019–2020 academic year. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 university and faculty leaders in Babeş-Bolyai University, Romania. The findings from the thematic analysis revealed three main themes emerging from participants' responses: “the leader's personal attributes,” “unity through decentralization,” and “opportunities to reinvent the university. ” Good practices to manage academic institutions in times of crises and changes are discussed, along with insights into strategies for supporting higher education development during crisis and post-crisis times resulting into recommendations for increasing management effectiveness.
Bioaugmented Phytoremediation of Metal-Contaminated Soils and Sediments by Hemp and Giant Reed

We assessed the effects of EDTA and selected plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the phytoremediation of soils and sediments historically contaminated by Cr, Ni, and Cu. A total of 42 bacterial strains resistant to these heavy metals (HMs) were isolated and screened for PGP traits and metal bioaccumulation, and two Enterobacter spp. strains were finally selected. Phytoremediation pot experiments of 2 months duration were carried out with hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and giant reed (Arundo donax L.) grown on soils and sediments respectively, comparing in both cases the effects of bioaugmentation with a single PGPR and EDTA addition on plant and root growth, plant HM uptake, HM leaching, as well as the changes that occurred in soil microbial communities (structure, biomass, and activity). Good removal percentages on a dry mass basis of Cr (0.4%), Ni (0.6%), and Cu (0.9%) were observed in giant reed while negligible values (<100‰) in hemp. In giant reed, HMs accumulated differentially in plant (rhizomes > > roots > leaves > stems) with largest quantities in rhizomes (Cr 0.6, Ni 3.7, and Cu 2.2 g plant–1). EDTA increased Ni and Cu translocation to aerial parts in both crops, despite that in sediments high HM concentrations in leachates were measured. PGPR did not impact fine root diameter distribution of both crops compared with control while EDTA negatively affected root diameter class length (DCL) distribution. Under HM contamination, giant reed roots become shorter (from 5.2 to 2.3 mm cm–3) while hemp roots become shorter and thickened from 0.13 to 0.26 mm. A consistent indirect effect of HM levels on the soil microbiome (diversity and activity) mediated by plant response (root DCL distribution) was observed. Multivariate analysis of bacterial diversity and activity revealed not only significant effects of plant and soil type (rhizosphere vs. bulk) but also a clear and similar differentiation of communities between control, EDTA, and PGPR treatments. We propose root DCL distribution as a key plant trait to understand detrimental effect of HMs on microbial communities. Positive evidence of the soil-microbe-plant interactions occurring when bioaugmentation with PGPR is associated with deep-rooting perennial crops makes this combination preferable over the one with chelating agents. Such knowledge might help to yield better bioaugmented bioremediation results in contaminated sites.
Ecological Correlates of 20-Year Population Trends of Wintering Waterbirds in Deep Bay, South China

Along the East Asian-Australasian flyway (EAAF), waterbirds are threatened by a wide range of human activities. Studies have shown that wintering populations of many species have declined in Australia and Japan; however, long term data along China’s coast are limited. In this study, we analyzed data collected from monthly bird surveys to quantify population trends of wintering waterbirds from 1998 to 2017 in the Deep Bay area, South China. Of the 42 species studied, 12 declined, while nine increased significantly. Phylogenetic comparative analysis revealed that population trends were negatively correlated to reliance on the Yellow Sea and body size. Further, waterbird species breeding in Southern Siberia declined more than those breeding in East Asia. These findings, coupled with a relatively high number of increasing species, support the continual preservation of wetlands in the Deep Bay area. This study provides another case study showing that data collected from wintering sites provide insights on the threats along migratory pathway and inform conservation actions. As such, we encourage population surveys in the EAAF to continue, particularly along the coast of China.
Fenofibrate (a PPAR-α Agonist) Administered During Ethanol Withdrawal Reverts Ethanol-Induced Astrogliosis and Restores the Levels of Glutamate Transporter in Ethanol-Administered Adolescent Rats

High-ethanol intake induces a neuroinflammatory response, which has been proposed as responsible for the maintenance of chronic ethanol consumption. Neuroinflammation decreases glutamate transporter (GLT-1) expression, increasing levels of glutamate that trigger dopamine release at the corticolimbic reward areas, driving long-term drinking behavior. The activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) by fibrates inhibits neuroinflammation, in models other than ethanol consumption. However, the effect of fibrates on ethanol-induced neuroinflammation has not yet been studied. We previously reported that the administration of fenofibrate to ethanol-drinking rats decreased ethanol consumption. Here, we studied whether fenofibrate effects are related to a decrease in ethanol-induced neuroinflammation and to the normalization of the levels of GLT-1. Rats were administered ethanol on alternate days for 4 weeks (2 g/kg/day). After ethanol withdrawal, fenofibrate was administered for 14 days (50 mg/kg/day) and the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylated NF-κB-inhibitory protein (pIκBα) and GLT-1, were quantified in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Ethanol treatment increased the levels of GFAP in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, indicating a clear astrocytic activation. Similarly, ethanol increased the levels of pIκBα in the three areas. The administration of fenofibrate decreased the expression of GFAP and pIκBα in the three areas. These results indicate that fenofibrate reverts both astrogliosis and NF-κB activation. Finally, ethanol decreased GLT-1 expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Fenofibrate normalized the levels of GLT-1 in both areas, suggesting that its effect in reducing ethanol consumption could be due to the normalization of glutamatergic tone.
Rapamycin Promotes ROS-Mediated Cell Death via Functional Inhibition of xCT Expression in Melanoma Under γ-Irradiation

Although many cancer patients are administered radiotherapy for their treatment, the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment attenuates the curative effects of radiotherapy. The enhanced activation of mTOR signaling in the tumors promotes tumor radioresistance. In this study, the effects of rapamycin on the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages were investigated. Rapamycin and 3BDO were used to regulate the mTOR pathway. In vitro, tumor cells cocultured with macrophages in the presence of each drug under normoxic or hypoxic conditions were irradiated with γ–rays. In vivo, mice were irradiated with γ–radiation after injection with DMSO, rapamycin and 3BDO into tumoral regions. Rapamycin reduced the secretion of IL-4 in tumor cells as well as YM1 in macrophages. Mouse recombinant YM1 decreased the enhanced level of ROS and the colocalized proportion of both xCT and EEA1 in irradiated tumor cells. Human recombinant YKL39 also induced results similar to those of YM1. Moreover, the colocalized proportion of both xCT and LC3 in tumor tissues was elevated by the injection of rapamycin into tumoral regions. Overall, the suppression of mTOR signaling in the tumor microenvironment might be useful for the improvement of tumor radioresistance.
Dreaming in Adolescents During the COVID-19 Health Crisis: Survey Among a Sample of European School Students

According to the continuity hypothesis of dreaming and contemporary psychodynamic approaches, dreams reflect waking life. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and dreaming in adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Italy, Romania and Croatia involving 2,105 secondary school students (69% girls, mean age 15.6 ± 2.1 years; 31% boys, mean age 15.1 ± 2.2 years; mean age of whole sample 15.4 ± 2.1 years). No substantial differences between countries were found. Thirty-one percent of the participants reported heightened dream recall, 18% noticed an increase in nightmares during the lockdown, and 15% of the provided dreams (n = 498) included pandemic-related content. The results indicate that subjective emotional reactions to lockdown had a significantly higher correlation to dreaming than objective distress (i.e., illness or death of a close one because of COVID-19). These findings suggest that attention to dreams should be included in preventive programs for adolescents with pandemic-related stress.
Potential Pain in Fish and Decapods: Similar Experimental Approaches and Similar Results

I review studies that examined the possibility of pain experience in fish and note how they provided guidance on general methods that could be applied to other animals such as decapod crustaceans. The fish studies initially reported the occurrence of prolonged rocking movements in trout and rubbing of their lips if they were injected with acetic acid. Subsequent studies examined the role of morphine in reducing these activities and examined shifts in attention when responding to noxious stimuli. Various studies take up these themes in decapods. The results reported for the two taxonomic groups are remarkably similar and indicate that responses of both go beyond those expected of mere nociceptive reflex. Thus, the idea of pain cannot be dismissed by the argument that fish and decapods respond only by reflex. The responses of both clearly involve central processing, and pain experience, although not proven for either, is a distinct possibility. These studies have been the subjects of highly critical opinion pieces and these are examined and rebutted. The conclusion is that both fish and decapods should be awarded consideration for their welfare.
Effect of Thoracic Connective Lesion on Inter-Leg Coordination in Freely Walking Stick Insects

Multi-legged locomotion requires appropriate coordination of all legs with coincident ground contact. Whereas behaviourally derived coordination rules can adequately describe many aspects of inter-leg coordination, the neural mechanisms underlying these rules are still not entirely clear. The fact that inter-leg coordination is strongly affected by cut thoracic connectives in tethered walking insects, shows that neural information exchange among legs is important. As yet, recent studies have shown that load transfer among legs can contribute to inter-leg coordination through mechanical coupling alone, i.e., without neural information exchange among legs. Since naturalistic load transfer among legs works only in freely walking animals but not in tethered animals, we tested the hypothesis that connective lesions have less strong effects if mechanical coupling through load transfer among legs is possible. To do so, we recorded protraction/retraction angles of all legs in unrestrained walking stick insects that either had one thoracic connective cut or had undergone a corresponding sham operation. In lesioned animals, either a pro-to-mesothorax or a meso-to-metathorax connective was cut. Overall, our results on temporal coordination were similar to published reports on tethered walking animals, in that the phase relationship of the legs immediately adjacent to the lesion was much less precise, although the effect on mean phase was relatively weak or absent. Lesioned animals could walk at the same speed as the control group, though with a significant sideward bias toward the intact side. Detailed comparison of lesion effects in free-walking and supported animals reveal that the strongest differences concern the spatial coordination among legs. In free walking, lesioned animals, touch-down and lift-off positions shifted significantly in almost all legs, including legs of the intact body side. We conclude that insects with disrupted neural information transfer through one connective adjust to this disruption differently if they experience naturalistic load distribution. While mechanical load transfer cannot compensate for lesion-induced effects on temporal inter-leg coordination, several compensatory changes in spatial coordination occur only if animals carry their own weight.
Neuroinflammation in HIV-Related Neuropathic Pain

In the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection around the world, chronic complications are becoming a new problem along with the prolonged life expectancy. Chronic pain is widespread in HIV infected patients and even affects those with a low viral load undergoing long-term treatment with antiviral drugs, negatively influencing the adherence to disease management and quality of life. A large proportion of chronic pain is neuropathic pain, which defined as chronic pain caused by nervous system lesions or diseases, presenting a series of nervous system symptoms including both positive and negative signs. Injury caused by HIV protein, central and peripheral sensitization, and side effects of antiretroviral therapy lead to neuroinflammation, which is regarded as a maladaptive mechanism originally serving to promote regeneration and healing, constituting the main mechanism of HIV-related neuropathic pain. Gp120, as HIV envelope protein, has been found to be the major toxin that induces neuropathic pain. Particularly, the microglia, releasing numerous pro-inflammatory substances (such as TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6), not only sensitize the neurons but also are the center part of the crosstalk bridging the astrocytes and oligodendrocytes together forming the central sensitization during HIV infection, which is not discussed detailly in recent reviews. In the meantime, some NRTIs and PIs exacerbate the neuroinflammation response. In this review, we highlight the importance of clarifying the mechanism of HIV-related neuropathic pain, and discuss about the limitation of the related studies as future research directions.
Oral Unsaturated Fat Load Impairs Postprandial Systemic Inflammation in Primary Hypercholesterolemia Patients

Context: Primary hypercholesterolemia (PH) is a lipid disorder characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Low-grade systemic inflammation is associated with PH, which might explain the higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases in this setting. Objective: To evaluate the effect of an oral unsaturated fat load (OUFL) on different immune parameters and functional consequences in patients with PH in postprandial state. Design: A commercial liquid preparation of long-chain triglycerides (Supracal®; ω6/ω3 ratio >20/1, OUFL) was administered to 20 patients and 10 age-matched controls. Whole blood was collected before (fasting state) and 4 h after administration (postprandial state). Flow cytometry was employed to determine platelet and leukocyte activation, and the levels of circulating platelet-leukocyte aggregates. Soluble markers were determined by ELISA, and the parallel-plate flow chamber was employed to study leukocyte adhesion to the dysfunctional arterial endothelium. Results: The PH group had a lower percentage of activated platelets and circulating type 1 monocytes, and blunted neutrophil activation after the OUFL, accompanied by a significant increase in the percentage of regulatory T lymphocytes. In this group, the OUFL led to a significant impairment of leukocyte adhesion to the dysfunctional [tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-stimulated] endothelium and reduced the plasma levels of soluble P-selectin, platelet factor-4 (PF-4)/CXCL4, CXCL8, CCL2, CCL5, and TNFα. Conclusion: The OUFL has a beneficial impact on the pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory state of PH patients and might be a promising macronutrient approach to dampen the systemic inflammation associated with PH and the development of further cardiovascular events.
An Assessment of the Antarctic Sea Ice Mass Budget Simulation in CMIP6 Historical Experiment

The sea ice formation and dissipation processes are complicated and involve many factors and mechanisms, from the basal growth/melting, the frazil ice formation, the snow ice processes to the dynamic process, etc. The contribution of different factors to the sea ice extent among different models over the Antarctic region has not been systematically evaluated. In this study, we evaluate and quantify the uncertainties of different contributors to the Antarctic Sea ice mass budget among 15 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Results show that the simulated total Antarctic Sea ice mass budget is primarily adjusted by the basal growth/melting terms, the frazil ice formation term and the snow-ice term, whereas the top melting terms, the lateral melting terms, the dynamic process and the evaporation process play secondary roles. In addition, while recent studies indicated that the contributors of the Arctic Sea ice formation/dissipation processes show strong coherency among different CMIP models, our results revealed a significant model diversity over the Antarctic region, indicating that the uncertainties of the sea ice formation and dissipation are still considerable in these state-of-the-art climate models. The largest uncertainties appear in the snow ice formation, the basal melting and the top melting terms, whose spread among different models is of the same order of magnitude as the multi-model mean. In some models, large positive bias in the snow ice terms may neutralize the strong negative bias of the basal/top melting terms, resulting in a similar value of the total Antarctic Sea ice area compared with other models, yet with an inaccurate physical process. The uncertainties in these Antarctic Sea ice formation/dissipation terms highlight the importance of further improving the sea ice dynamical and parameterization processes in the state-of-the-art models.