bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the organic oxygen content of biochar
Authors: Bakshi Santanu , Banik Chumki , Laird David A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe organic O content of biochar is useful for assessing biochar stability and reactivity. However, accurately determining the organic O content of biochar is difficult. Biochar contains both organic and inorganic forms of O, and some of the organic O is converted to inorganic O (e.g., newly formed carbonates) when samples are ashed. Here, we compare estimates of the O content for biochars produced from pure compounds (little or no ash), acid-washed biomass (little ash), and unwashed biomass (range of ash content). Novelty of this study includes a new method to predict organic O content of biochar using three easily measured biochar parameters- pyrolysis temperature, H/C molar ratio, and %biochar yield, and evidence indicating that the conventional difference method may substantially underestimate the organic O in biochar and adversely impact the accuracy of O:C ratios and van Krevelen plots. We also present evidence that acid washing removed 17% of the structural O from biochars and significantly changes O/C ratios. Environmental modelers are encouraged to use biochar H:C ratios.
Modelling transport of inhibiting and activating signals and their combined effects on floral induction: application to apple tree
Authors: Belhassine Fares , Fumey Damien , Chopard Jérôme , Pradal Christophe , Martinez Sébastien , Costes Evelyne , Pallas Benoît 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFloral induction (FI) in shoot apical meristems (SAM) is assumed to be triggered by antagonistic endogenous signals. In fruit trees, FI occurs in some SAM only and is determined by activating and inhibiting signals originating from leaves and fruit, respectively. We developed a model (SigFlow) to quantify on 3D structures the combined impact of such signals and distances at which they act on SAM. Signal transport was simulated considering a signal ‘attenuation’ parameter, whereas SAM fate was determined by probability functions depending on signal quantities. Model behaviour was assessed on simple structures before being calibrated and validated on a unique experimental dataset of 3D digitized apple trees with contrasted crop loads and subjected to leaf and fruit removal at different scales of tree organization. Model parameter estimations and comparisons of two signal combination functions led us to formulate new assumptions on the mechanisms involved: (i) the activating signal could be transported at shorter distances than the inhibiting one (roughly 50 cm vs 1 m) (ii) both signals jointly act to determine FI with SAM being more sensitive to inhibiting signal than activating one. Finally, the genericity of the model is promising to further understand the physiological and architectural determinisms of FI in plants.
Aspiration-assisted bioprinting of the osteochondral interface
Authors: Ayan Bugra , Wu Yang , Karuppagounder Vengadeshprabhu , Kamal Fadia , Ozbolat Ibrahim T. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOsteochondral defects contain damage to both the articular cartilage and underlying subchon- dral bone, which remains a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery. Layered structure of bone, cartilage and the bone-cartilage interface must be taken into account in the case of biofabrication of the osteochondral (OC) interface. In this study, a dual layered OC interface was bioprinted using a newly developed aspiration-assisted bioprinting (AAB) technique, which has been the first time that scaffold-free bioprinting was applied to OC interface engineering. Tissue spheroids, made of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), were differentiated in three dimensions (3D) into chondrogenic and osteogenic spheroids, which were confirmed by immunostaining and histology qualitatively, and biochemistry assays and gene expression, quantitatively. Remarkably, the OC interface was bioprinted by accurate positioning of a layer of osteogenic spheroids onto a sacrificial alginate support followed by another layer of chondrogenic spheroids overlaid by the same support. Spheroids in individual zones fused and the maintenance of phenotypes in both zones confirmed the successful biofabrication of the histomorphologically-relevant OC interface. The biofabrication of OC tissue model without the use of polymeric scaffolds unveils great potential not only in regenerative medicine but also in drug testing and disease modeling for osteoarthritis.
Cognitive function and brain plasticity in a rat model of shift work: role of daily rhythms, sleep and glucocorticoids
Authors: Marti Andrea R. , Pedersen Torhild T. , Wisor Jonathan P. , Mrdalj Jelena , Holmelid Øystein , Patil Sudarshan , Meerlo Peter , Bramham Clive R. , Grønli Janne 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMany occupations require operations during the night-time when the internal circadian clock promotes sleep, in many cases resulting in impairments in cognitive performance and brain functioning. Here, we use a rat model to attempt to identify the biological mechanisms underlying such impaired performance. Rats were exposed to forced activity, either in their rest-phase (simulating night-shift work; rest work) or in their active-phase (simulating day-shift work; active work). Sleep, wakefulness and body temperature rhythm were monitored throughout. Following three work shifts, spatial memory performance was tested on the Morris Water Maze task. After 4 weeks washout, the work protocol was repeated, and blood and brain tissue collected. Simulated night-shift work impaired spatial memory and altered biochemical markers of cerebral cortical protein synthesis. Measures of daily rhythm strength were blunted, and sleep drive increased. Individual variation in the data suggested differences in shift work tolerance. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that type of work, changes in daily rhythmicity and changes in sleep drive predict spatial memory performance and expression of brain protein synthesis regulators. Moreover, serum corticosterone levels predicted expression of brain protein synthesis regulators. These findings open new research avenues into the biological mechanisms that underlie individual variation in shift work tolerance.
Assessment of left ventricular deformation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking
Authors: Xie Lin-jun , Dong Zhi-hui , Yang Zhi-gang , Deng Ming-yan , Gao Yue , Jiang Li , Hu Bi-yue , Liu Xi , Ren Yan , Xia Chun-chao , Li Zhen-lin , Zhang Hua-peng , Zhou Xiao-yue , Guo Ying-kun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTo quantify the global and regional left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue-tracking techniques and to determine the ability of myocardial strain parameters to assessment the LV deformation. Our study included 98 adult T2DM patients (preserved LV ejection fraction [LVEF], 72; reduced LVEF, 26) and 35 healthy controls. Conventional LV function, volume-time curve parameters and LV remodeling index were measured using CMR. Global and regional LV myocardial strain parameters were measured using CMR tissue tracking and compared between the different sub-groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between strain parameters and the LV remodeling index. The results show that global radial peak strain (PS) and circumferential PS were not significantly different between the preserved-LVEF group and control group (P > 0.05). However, longitudinal PS was significantly lower in the preserved-LVEF group than in the control group (P = 0.005). Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses showed that global longitudinal PS was independently associated (β = 0.385, P < 0.001) with the LV remodeling index. In conclusion, early quantitative evaluation of cardiac deformation can be successfully performed using CMR tissue tracking in T2DM patients. In addition, global longitudinal PS can complement LVEF in the assessment of cardiac function.
Sediment microbial fuel cells as a barrier to sulfide accumulation and their potential for sediment remediation beneath aquaculture pens
Authors: Algar Christopher K. , Howard Annie , Ward Colin , Wanger Gregory 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) generate electricity through the oxidation of reduced compounds, such as sulfide or organic carbon compounds, buried in anoxic sediments. The ability to remove sulfide suggests their use in the remediation of sediments impacted by point source organic matter loading, such as occurs beneath open pen aquaculture farms. However, for SMFCs to be a viable technology they must remove sulfide at a scale relevant to the environmental contamination and their impact on the sediment geochemistry as a whole must be evaluated. Here we address these issues through a laboratory microcosm experiment. Two SMFCs placed in high organic matter sediments were operated for 96 days and compared to open circuit and sediment only controls. The impact on sediment geochemistry was evaluated with microsensor profiling for oxygen, sulfide, and pH. The SMFCs had no discernable effect on oxygen profiles, however porewater sulfide was significantly lower in the sediment microcosms with functioning SMFCs than those without. Depth integrated sulfide inventories in the SMFCs were only 20% that of the controls. However, the SMFCs also lowered pH in the sediments and the consequences of this acidification on sediment geochemistry should be considered if developing SMFCs for remediation. The data presented here indicate that SMFCs have potential for the remediation of sulfidic sediments around aquaculture operations.
Dependence of nonthermal metallization kinetics on bond ionicity of compounds
Authors: Voronkov R. A. , Medvedev N. , Volkov A. E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIt is known that covalently bonded materials undergo nonthermal structure transformations upon ultrafast excitation of an electronic system, whereas metals exhibit phonon hardening in the bulk. Here we study how ionic bonds react to electronic excitation. Density-functional molecular dynamics predicts that ionic crystals may melt nonthermally, however, into an electronically insulating state, in contrast to covalent materials. We demonstrate that the band gap behavior during nonthermal transitions depends on a bonding type: it is harder to collapse the band gap in more ionic compounds, which is illustrated by transformations in Y2O3 vs. NaCl, LiF and KBr.
Bi-layered architecture facilitates high strength and ventilation in nest mounds of fungus-farming termites
Authors: Zachariah Nikita , Singh Saurabh , Murthy Tejas G. , Borges Renee M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMass–energy transfer across the boundaries of living systems is crucial for the maintenance of homeostasis; however, it is scarcely known how structural strength and integrity is maintained in extended phenotypes while also achieving optimum heat–mass exchange. Here we present data on strength, stability, porosity and permeability of termite mounds of a fungus-farming species, Odontotermes obesus. We demonstrate that the termite mound is a bi-layered structure with a dense, strong core and a porous shell that is constantly remodelled. Its safety factor is extraordinarily high and is orders of magnitude higher than those of human constructions. The porous peripheries are analogous to the mulch layer used in agriculture and help in moisture retention crucial for the survival of fungus gardens, while also allowing adequate wind-induced ventilation of the mounds. We suggest that the architectural solutions offered by these termites have wider implications for natural and industrial building technologies.
Effect of 6p21 region on lung function is modified by smoking: a genome-wide interaction study
Authors: Park Boram , An Jaehoon , Kim Wonji , Kang Hae Yeon , Koh Sang Baek , Oh Bermseok , Jung Keum Ji , Jee Sun Ha , Kim Woo Jin , Cho Michael H. , Silverman Edwin K. , Park Taesung , Won Sungho 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSmoking is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, more than 25% of COPD patients are non-smokers, and gene-by-smoking interactions are expected to affect COPD onset. We aimed to identify the common genetic variants interacting with pack-years of smoking on FEV1/FVC ratios in individuals with normal lung function. A genome-wide interaction study (GWIS) on FEV1/FVC was performed for individuals with FEV1/FVC ratio ≥ 70 in the Korea Associated Resource cohort data, and significant SNPs were validated using data from two other Korean cohorts. The GWIS revealed that rs10947231 and rs8192575 met genome-wide significant levels; For $${\text{H}}_{0} :\beta_{SNP} = \beta_{SNP*pack - years} = 0{\text{ vs H}}_{1} : not {\text{H}}_{0} ,$$

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the likelihood ratio (LR) test was conducted, and its P values, PLR, for rs10947231 and rs8192575 were 2.23 × 10–12 and 1.18 × 10–8, respectively. Interaction between rs8192575 and smoking is significantly replicated with two additional data (PINT = 0.0454, 0.0131). Expression quantitative trait loci, topologically associated domains, and PrediXcan analyses revealed that rs8192575 is significantly associated with AGER expression. SNPs on the 6p21 region are associated with FEV1/FVC, and the effect of smoking on FEV1/FVC differs among the associated genotypes.
Treatment of mice with S4B6 IL-2 complex prevents lethal toxoplasmosis via IL-12- and IL-18-dependent interferon-gamma production by non-CD4 immune cells
Authors: Kupz Andreas , Pai Saparna , Giacomin Paul R. , Whan Jennifer A. , Walker Robert A. , Hammoudi Pierre-Mehdi , Smith Nicholas C. , Miller Catherine M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractToxoplasmic encephalitis is an AIDS-defining condition. The decline of IFN-γ-producing CD4+T cells in AIDS is a major contributing factor in reactivation of quiescentToxoplasma gondiito an actively replicating stage of infection. Hence, it is important to characterize CD4-independent mechanisms that constrain acuteT. gondiiinfection. We investigated the in vivo regulation of IFN-γ production by CD8+T cells, DN T cells and NK cells in response to acuteT. gondiiinfection. Our data show that processing of IFN-γ by these non-CD4 cells is dependent on both IL-12 and IL-18 and the secretion of bioactive IL-18 in response toT. gondiirequires the sensing of viable parasites by multiple redundant inflammasome sensors in multiple hematopoietic cell types. Importantly, our results show that expansion of CD8+T cells, DN T cells and NK cell by S4B6 IL-2 complex pre-treatment increases survival rates of mice infected withT. gondiiand this is dependent on IL-12, IL-18 and IFN-γ. Increased survival is accompanied by reduced pathology but is independent of expansion of TRegcells or parasite burden. This provides evidence for a protective role of IL2C-mediated expansion of non-CD4 cells and may represent a promising lead to adjunct therapy for acute toxoplasmosis.
Brain MRI features of methylmalonic acidemia in children: the relationship between neuropsychological scores and MRI findings
Authors: Yang Linfeng , Guo Bin , Li Xue , Liu Xiangyu , Wei Xinhong , Guo Lingfei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMethylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is a severe, heterogeneous disorder of methylmalonate and cobalamin (cbl; vitamin B12) metabolism with a poor prognosis that can cause brain damage. Identifying the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of MMA might help to make accurate diagnoses earlier in the disease course and exploring the relationship between neuropsychological scores and MRI findings, when therapy is more effective and to improve therapeutic efficacy. Cerebral MRI studies from 37 children with MMA were evaluated by a neuroradiologist. Clinical and imaging data were collected from each patient. All tests were performed during routine investigations and in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from the guardians of all patients for inclusion in the study. The most common and significant findings were periventricular white matter changes (78.4%), ventricular dilation (29.7%) and cerebral atrophy (40.5%). According to the developmental quotient, the 37 patients were divided into the normal intelligence subgroup (NI, developmental quotient ≥ 85) and the low intelligence subgroup (LI, developmental quotient < 85). The incidence of corpus callosal thinning, cortical atrophy, subcortical white matter changes, and ventricular dilation (grades 0–3) was significantly higher in the LI subgroup than in the NI subgroup (P < 0.05). The incidence of no-mild and moderate-severe ventricular dilation was significantly higher in the LI subgroup than in the NI subgroup (P < 0.05). Ventricular dilatation, cerebral atrophy, white matter changes, and corpus callosal thinning are the main MRI abnormalities in MMA patients, and these manifestations are significantly correlated with delayed development in children.
Analysis of platelets from a diet-induced obesity rat model: elucidating platelet dysfunction in obesity
Authors: Barrachina María N. , Morán Luis A. , Izquierdo Irene , Casanueva Felipe F. , Pardo María , García Ángel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObesity is one of the main health problems in industrialized countries. The contribution of multiple factors developed in obesity can hardly be modeled in vitro. In this context, the development of animal models mimicking human obesity could be essential. The aim of the present study was to compare platelets from a diet-induced obesity (DIO) rat model with their lean control group in order to elucidate platelet dysfunction mechanisms in obesity and correlate the results with previous data from morbid obese patients. In parallel, we also established a blood collection and platelet isolation methodology to study the DIO rat model at biochemical and functional level. Optimal blood collection was obtained from vena cava and platelet isolation was based on a serial of centrifugations avoiding platelet activation. Our results show that the DIO rat model simulate obesity pathologically since weight gain, fasting glucose and platelet counts are increased in obese rats. Interestingly, platelet levels of the active form of Src (pTyr419) showed a tendency to increase in DIO rats pointing towards a potential dysfunction in Src family kinases-related signalling pathways in obesity. Moreover, platelets from DIO rats adhere more to collagen compared with the control group, pointing towards Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) as one of the dysregulated receptors in obesity, in agreement with our recent studies in humans. These results confirm that obesity, in line with human studies, present a platelet dysregulation, and highlight the relevance of considering novel antithrombotic drug targets in these patients, such as GPVI.
Insights Into Category Sorting Flexibility in Bilingual Children: Results of a Cognitive Lab Study
Authors: Simon-Cereijido Gabriela , Bedore Lisa M. , Peña Elizabeth D. , Iglesias Aquiles 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore how bilingual children shift sets to gain flexibility when forming categories. Using a cognitive lab approach focused on understanding how learners approach problems, we asked children to sort 10 sets of pictures representing common objects in two different ways and to explain their rationale for the sort. We explored the relationship between age and language use on their performance.

Method
Forty-six typically developing Spanish–English bilingual children (25 girls, 21 boys) participated in the study. They ranged in age from 4;0 to 10;11 (years;months). Receptive and expressive responses to a novel category sorting task were collected.

Results
Forty-four of the 46 children tested were able to perform the category sorting task. Within language, receptive and expressive category sorting scores were positively and significantly correlated while only expressive scores were significantly associated across languages. There were significant correlations between the sorting scores and age and language output and input. Children's ability to provide expressive responses explaining their sort strategy was moderately correlated with their language experience, especially English output.

Conclusions
The category sorting task proved useful in eliciting sorting behaviors and naming from the children tested. The age effect suggests that sorting may reflect their general developmental experience rather than their language-specific experience. The cognitive lab approach allowed us to understand how children shift sets and verbalize their understanding of the categorization process. Knowing how children approach this task can inform future work to develop ways to strategically select language intervention goals and document progress.
Working Memory and Linguistic Performance of Dual Language Learners With and Without Developmental Language Disorders
Authors: Guiberson Mark M. , Rodríguez Barbara L. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This research note describes the use of working memory measures as potential indicators of developmental language disorders (DLD) in preschool-age dual language learners from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. This report is an extension of early work, completed by the same authors that described the diagnostic accuracy of a Spanish nonword repetition task.

Method
One hundred thirty Spanish-speaking families with preschool-age children participated; 37 children had DLD, and 93 were typically developing. Families were recruited from early childhood programs in three states in the western region of the United States. Working memory and linguistic measures were collected from the children; parents completed a vocabulary checklist and reported on their child's longest utterances.

Results
Nonverbal working memory was not associated with other measures, but verbal working memory was associated with linguistic measures. Although there were no group differences on nonverbal working memory, group differences (DLD vs. typical development) were detected on verbal working memory and linguistic measures. Verbal working memory combined with vocabulary scores resulted in 79% of cases correctly classified.

Conclusions
Working memory tasks yielded different results depending on the type of task (verbal vs. nonverbal). Outcomes from this study showed that a nonverbal working memory task (hand movement) was not useful in distinguishing preschool-age dual language children with DLD from typical peers, but a verbal working memory task (nonword repetition) may be useful if combined with other more robust linguistic measures.