bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Drivers of Biomass Change in Subtropical Natural Forests
Authors: Wu Anchi , Tang Xuli , Li Andi , Xiong Xin , Liu Juxiu , He Xinhua , Zhang Qianmei , Chen Hongfeng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Forest ecosystems play an important role in regulating the global carbon, a substantial portion of terrestrial carbon pool which is stored in biomass stocks. However, how multiple biotic (i.e. topography) and abiotic (biodiversity, stand structure, and functional traits) influence forest biomass in natural forests, the relative important of these factors determine biomass is still controversial for subtropical natural forests. We used forest inventory data from nine 1-ha plots at different altitude gradients in China’s subtropical forests. We used multiple analyse to quantify the relative importance of multiple facets of diversity, key functional traits, stand structural attributes, and topography variables in determining forest biomass. We found that multiple facets of diversity and stand structure variables enhances biomass. Specifically, large-diameter trees had a strong positive effect on biomass and were the most important factor in determining biomass. Plant functional traits were closely related to biomass. Community-weighted mean value (CWM) of maximum height positively correlated with biomass, but CWM of wood density negatively correlated biomass. Topographic factors including elevation and slope, had a positive effect on biomass. Moreover, among the aforementioned four types of variables, stand structure had the greatest impact on biomass and is linked to diversity-biomass relationship. Topography mainly indirectly affected biomass by altering multiple diversity and stand structure. Functional traits also directly and indirectly affected biomass. Overall, these results support niche complementarity effect and mass-ratio hypothesis. Our results indicate that biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem functions of species-rich subtropical natural forests. Further, adjusting stand structure may be an effective forest management approach to increase forest carbon storage.
Synergistic Effect of El Niño And The North Pacific Oscillation On Wintertime Precipitation Over Southeastern China And The East China Sea Kuroshio Area
Authors: Sun Yue , Li Jianping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Wintertime precipitation in China is most pronounced over the southeastern area, and the Kuroshio in the East China Sea anchors a prominent precipitation band over the warm side of the sea surface temperature front. Previous studies have suggested that many factors contribute to the interannual variation of the precipitation over southeastern China (SC), whereas less attention has been paid to precipitation variability over the East China Sea Kuroshio (ECSK) area. This study focuses on the interannual variation of wintertime precipitation over the SC and ECSK areas. Empirical orthogonal function analysis reveals a spatially uniform pattern from SC to the ECSK area. Composite analysis shows that an El Niño event intensifies wintertime precipitation over our target region, and this effect is tripled when an El Niño follows a positive North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) event in the previous winter. The positive NPO event in the previous winter intensifies the El Niño event via the Victoria mode ocean bridge and the subsequent Bjerknes feedback. In comparison with single-factor El Niño events, a much weaker Walker cell induced by the joint event induces a much weaker regional Hadley cell through anomalous descending motion over the western tropical Pacific. The weakened regional Hadley circulation over the western Pacific directly enhances the precipitation over the SC and ECSK area. In this study, the synergistic effect of an El Niño event and a positive NPO event indicates that the influence of the El Niño event can be amplified by the positive NPO event in the previous winter.
Short-Term Effects of Kinesio Taping Combined With Cervical Muscles Multi-angle Isometric Training in Patients With Cervical Spondylosis
Authors: Xiong Jian , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Zhichao , Ma Yan , Li Zuhong , Chen Yongjin , Liu Qi , Liao Weijing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Kinesio taping (KT) combined with multi-angle isometric resistance training for cervical spondylosis. Methods: Sixty-one patients were divided into two groups by random number table method. Both groups were given multi-angle isometric training, the patients in the observation group were supplemented with Kinesio taping. Before and after treatment, the symptoms of cervical spine function were evaluated in two groups by visual analogue scale (VAS), cervical dysfunction index (NDI), cervical range of motion and muscle stiffness.Results: After 3 weeks of treatment, VAS, NDI scores and the cervical range of motion were significantly better than before (P<0.05). The range of anterior flexion and extension was significantly larger than the control group (P<0.05), but the range of other motions were not certain. The muscle stiffness in KT group were significantly lower than the control group.Conclusion: KT combined with multi-angle isometric resistance training can further alleviate the clinical symptoms and correct the neck abnormal posture. But its effects on the range of cervical motion remain uncertain.
UV-light Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanowires and Their Catalytic Degradation Potential Against Methyl Orange
Authors: Ali Faisal , Ali Zahid , Mooinuddin Ghulam , Younas Umer , Parvaiz Muhammad , Hassan Faiza , Yasir Hafiz Muhammad , Ashraf Adnan , Ishaq Muhammad Waqas 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the present study, a simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanowires (Ag-NWs) has been reported. Psidium guajava seed extract was used as a reducing agent for silver nitrate solution at 70 °C temperature under continues UV-irradiation, for the production of Ag-NWs. Silver nanowires were initially characterized by using UV-visible and FTIR spectrophotometer. Synthesis of nanowires and involvement of functional groups was confirmed by FT-IR spectra. The morphology and particle size of synthesized Ag-NWs was determined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD results revealed cubic phase morphology of Ag-NWs. Nanowires were found having 12-8 μm length and 300-500 nm diameter. In addition, catalytic potential of the sample for degradation of methyl orange dye (MO) was tracked spectrophotometrically. The results exposed that; bio-synthesized silver nanowires were found having excellent morphological features as well as impressive catalytic potential.
Comparison of the Statistics and Item Analysis of Multiple-Choice Questions of Medical and Dental Students' Tests Between Free Admission and Tuition-Paying Admission.
Authors: Hosseini S. Mehran , Rahmati Reza , Sepehry Hamid , Habibi-koolaee Mahdi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The type of student admission may affect their educational performance. The purpose of this pilot was to compare the multiple-choice test statistics of medical and dental students' tests between free admission and tuition-paying admission under maximum matched conditions.Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted at Golestan University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2020. The study population included students of medicine and dentistry. A total of 56 tests were selected in two student groups of free admission and tuition-paying admission in basic sciences stages in the physiology course. The matched factors included test features consist of the number of questions, date of the test, test time, the volume of content, topics, and resources, and the instructors. The results of quantitative evaluation of tests were used as the data of this study. There were 21 items for each test including difficulty index, discrimination index, the degree of difficulty, score variance, and Kuder-Richardson correlation coefficient. Results: There were 16 medical and 14 dentistry tests with 437 and 330 questions respectively. The number of medical students participating in the free-tuition and paying-tuition admissions was 1336 and 1076, and for dental students, these numbers were 395 and 235 respectively. There were no significant differences in normalized adjusted test scores between two admission groups in both medical and dentistry tests. The discrimination index of tests was fair or good, and there were no cases of the negative or poor index. The mean of discrimination index in the free-tuition group was higher than in the paying-tuition group (p = 0.048). The interaction between the type of admission and the field was significant for the discrimination index (p = 0.0001). This difference was more in tuition-free dental students than tuition-free medical students and tuition-paying dental students. The mean difficulty index and the Kuder-Richardson correlation coefficient had no differences in the two groups. Conclusions: The type of student admission has no significant effect on students’ assessments in multiple choice tests in matched educational conditions.
Semecarpus Anacardium Linn. Leaf Extract Exhibits Activities Against Breast Cancer And Prolongs The Survival of Tumor Bearing Mice
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kumar , Ranjan Amit , Tripathi Ruchita , Verma Sumit Singh , Sharma Vinamra , Singh Monika , Gupta Subash Chandra , Singh Anil Kumar 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Semecarpus anacardium Linn. is a commonly used Ayurvedic medicinal plant which nuts have been described in Ayurveda and Sidda system of medicine to treat clinical ailments such as vitiligo, inflamation, microbial infection, geriatric problem, baldness and neuro related problems. In this study, anti-cancer activity of the leaves of Semecarpus anacardium Linn was evaluated for future drug development. The phytochemical screening was done by GC-MS analysis, cytotoxicity was examined using MTT assay, mode of cell death was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and finally antitumor activity was determined in EAC cell induced tumor bearing mice. The ethyl acetate extract from the leaves of the plant induced cytotoxicity in cancer cells in a dose dependent manner (IC50: 0.57 µg/ml in MCF-7 cells) in different cancer cell lines. The non-malignant cells were relatively insensitive to the extract. The staining with acridine orange, ethidium bromide and DAPI confirmed that the extract induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Furthermore, the extract induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and suppressed cancer cell migration. An oral administration of the extract suppressed the tumor growth in mice model bearing ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. The ethyl acetate extract was also found to prolong the survival of tumor bearing mice. Overall, these observations suggest the anticancer activities of the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of S. anacardium. The study opens a new window to examine the phytochemical constituents from the leaves of the plant responsible for the anticancer activities.
Water immersion and one-year storage influence seed germination of Copernicia alba palm tree from a neotropical wetland
Authors: Soares Vanessa Couto , Daibes L. Felipe , Damasceno-Junior Geraldo A. , De Lima Liana Baptista 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Copernicia alba (Morong ex Morong & Britton) is a palm tree native to tropical and subtropical climates, commonly named “carandá”, that often forms monodominant populations in the Pantanal wetland in Brazil. Currently, the knowledge of the seed germination behavior of C. alba is still limited, as well as seed viability in ex-situ conservation under laboratory conditions. Hence, this study investigated the effect of water treatments and a one-year storage period (at 19°C under a relative humidity of 45%) on its germination. We subjected fresh and stored seeds to immersion in water at room temperature (~25°C) for 24, 48, and 72 h; and hot water (~75°C) for 5 min and 10 min. The results showed that seeds do not have primary dormancy, with fresh seeds germinating 84% in the control. Additionally, fresh seeds had a significant increase in germination percentage (reaching 100%) and faster germination times after immersion in water for 48 and 72 h. On the other hand, hot water treatments decreased germination for both fresh and stored seeds. One year of storage reduced the germination capacity by almost 50%. We concluded that seeds of C. alba may be easily germinated under laboratory conditions for seedling production, and water immersion at room temperature can improve the germination of fresh seeds. However, long-term seed storage and hot-water treatments may jeopardize germination. Future studies should further investigate ex-situ conservation of seed of C. alba under extended periods, considering seed desiccation and alternative storage conditions, to improve seed conservation techniques .
Prevalence And Genetic Diversity of Bartonella Spp. In Northern Bats (Eptesicus Nilssonii) And Their Blood-Sucking Ectoparasites In Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Nabeshima Kei , Sato Shingo , Brinkerhoff R. Jory , Amano Murasaki , Kabeya Hidenori , Itou Takuya , Maruyama Soichi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We investigated the prevalence of Bartonella in northern bats (Eptesicus nilssonii) and their ectoparasites from Hokkaido, Japan. Two batbugs (Cimex japonicus) and 174 bat fleas (Ischnopsyllus needhami) were collected from the bats. Bartonella bacteria were isolated from 32 (26.0%) of 123 bats examined. Though Bartonella DNA was detected in 79 (45.5%) of bat fleas, the bacterium was isolated from only one bat flea (0.6%). The gltA sequences of the isolates were categorized into genotypes I, II, and III, which were found in common between the bats and fleas. The gltA sequences of genotypes I and II showed 97.6% similarity with the gene from E. nilssonii in Finland and a bat flea from E. serotinus in the Netherlands. The rpoB sequences of the genotypes showed 98.9% similarity with strain 44722 from E. serotinus in Georgia. The gltA and rpoB sequences of genotype III showed 95.9% and 96.7% similarity with strains from two different species of shrews in Kenya and France, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Bartonella isolates of genotypes I and II clustered with strains from Eptesicus bats in Georgia and Finland, Myotis bats in Romania and the UK, and a bat flea from an Eptesicus bat in Finland. In contrast, genotype III formed a clade with B. florencae, B. acomydis, and B. birtlesii. These data suggest that northern bats in Japan harbor two Bartonella species and I. needhami likely serves as a potential vector of Bartonella transmission in the bats.
Multiomic Analysis on Human Cell Model of Wolfram Syndrome Reveals Changes In Mitochondrial Morphology And Function
Authors: Zmyslowska Agnieszka , Kuljanin Miljan , Malachowska Beata , Stanczak Marcin , Michalek Dominika , Wlodarczyk Aneta , Grot Dagmara , Taha Joanna , Pawlik Bartłomiej , Lebiedzińska-Arciszewska Magdalena , Nieznanska Hanna , Wieckowski Mariusz R. , Rieske Piotr , Mancias Joseph D. , Borowiec Maciej , Mlynarski Wojciech , Fendler Wojciech 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Wolfram syndrome (WFS) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome in which diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative disorders occur as a result of wolframin deficiency and increased ER stress. In addition, WFS1 deficiency leads to calcium homeostasis disturbances and can change mitochondrial dynamics. The aim of this study was to evaluate protein levels and changes in gene transcription on human WFS cell model under experimental ER stress. Methods: We performed transcriptomic and proteomic analysis on WFS human cell model - skin fibroblasts reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and then into neural stem cells (NSC) with subsequent ER stress induction using tunicamycin (TM). Results were cross-referenced with publicly available RNA sequencing data in hippocampi and hypothalami of mice with WFS1 deficiency. Results: Proteomic analysis identified specific signal pathways that differ in NSC WFS cells from healthy ones. Next, detailed analysis of the proteins involved in the mitochondrial function showed the down-regulation of subunits of the respiratory chain complexes in NSC WFS cells, as well as the up-regulation of proteins involved in Krebs cycle and glycolysis when compared to the control cells. Based on pathway enrichment analysis we concluded that in samples from mice hippocampi the mitochondrial protein import machinery and OXPHOS were significantly down-regulated. Conclusions: Our results show the functional and morphological secondary mitochondrial damage in patients with WFS.
Women In Neurosurgery: A Critical Assessment of The State of The Specialty in Turkey
Authors: KUZUCU PELİN , EVLEKSİZ Demet , GÖKALP Elif , ÖZIŞIK PINAR , GÜNGÖR Abuzer 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although at least half of medical students are women, neurosurgery is not often preferred by women, and the proportion of female neurosurgeons who can participate in the academic platform is very low. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to show the role of female neurosurgeons in the Turkish Neurosurgical Society.METHODS: We examined the age, academic rank, years of work in the profession, membership rate in society subgroups, h-index parameters, and relationships of certificated female neurosurgeons registered in the Turkish Neurosurgical Society. We examined gender rate differences between society subgroups using chi-square tests. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: There are currently 94 board-certified female neurosurgeons between the ages of 31 and 92 years; 10 are full professors (10.6%), 16 are associate professors (17 %), 5 are assistant professors (5.3 %), and 63 are neurosurgery specialist physicians (67 %). Female neurosurgeons are present among six of the subfields categorized by the Turkish Neurosurgical Society: 7 in pediatric neurosurgery (11.47%); 8 in spinal and peripheral nerve surgery (2.4%); 3 in neurovascular surgery (2.02%); 7 in functional neurosurgery (5.8%); 11 in neuroanatomy (9.2%); and 23 in neurooncology (6.9%).CONCLUSIONS: The number of female neurosurgeons in Turkey continues to grow each year. To increase the proportion of women in this field, it is important to support female neurosurgeons and enable them to take on more tasks.
The Lymph Node Ratio Optimizes Staging System while Adjuvant Chemotherapy Plays an Invalid Role for Patients with Nonmetastatic Colorectal Neuroendocrine Carcinomas: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of Patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results Database
Authors: Chen Xiaoxiao , Zheng Hongjuan , Zhang Xia , Tang Wanfen , Zhou Shishi , Xu Xifeng , Fu Jianfei , Wang Qinghua 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective: Colorectal neuroendocrine carcinoma (CRNEC) is rare and little is known about survival benefit between lymph node ratio (LNR) and improved overall survival (OS), and so is the adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). We aim to evaluate the survival benefit of LNR and AC in patients with nonmetastatic CRNEC following resection. Methods: Patients with resected nonmetastatic CRNECs were identified in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) during year 1992 to 2016. A Log-rank test was conducted to determine the survival difference. The survival benefit was evaluated using a competing-risks regression model and propensity score-matched (PSM) techniques were used to reduce the selection bias.Results: A total of 251 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which, 152 patients (60.56%) received AC. The age of 60 (P=0.848) and number of 12 of resected regional lymph nodes (P=0.082) acted as an optimal cutoff value in terms of survival, failing to reach a significance. Chemotherapy failed to bring survival benefit (hazard ratio [HR], 0.959; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.649-1.416; P=0.832). Current N classification was not a significant predictor of patient survival (N1: P = 0.174; N2: P=0.028, compared to N0, respectively). Multivariate analyses explored the revised Nr classification, based on LNR of 0.30 and 0.75 as cutoff value (Nr0: LNR£0.30; Nr1: 0.3<LNR£0.75; Nr2: LNR >0.75), as an independent prognostic factor (Nr1: P = 0. 003; Nr2: P<0.001, compared to Nr0, respectively). With the foundation of revised Nr classification, a revised TNrM was proposed for nonmetastatic CRNEC: stage I (T1–2Nr0), stage II (T1-2Nr1 or T3Nr0–1 or T4Nr0), and stage III (TxNr2 or T4Nr1). TNrM stage had better stratification according to Kaplan-Meier survival curves (P <0.001). Conclusions: AC seems invalid for improving the survival of patients with nonmetastatic CRNECs following resection. The LNR more accurately predict survival of CRNEC patients than current N classification.
Determination and Analysis of Land Deformation in Nairobi City County Based ALOS/Palsar and Sentinel-1 InSAR Processing
Authors: KIRUI PIUS , Oiro Samson , Waithaka Hunja , Odera Patroba , Riedel Björn , Gerke Markus 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Nairobi city is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. The rapid development has put pressure on the existing resources such as water resulting in overexploitation of groundwater. Nairobi had been reported to be susceptible to environmental hazards such as subsidence associated with the overexploitation of groundwater due to depletion of its aquifer. However, the subsidence has not been empirically quantified because Kenya lacks a functioning deformation monitoring framework. Through the use of InSAR, land subsidence in Nairobi was spatially quantified for the first time that confirms fears of subsidence as suggested by previous hydrogeological studies. We observed an increase in the spatial extends and the rates of subsidence, the highest rate of subsidence being approx. 62mm/yr located in the largest deforming area West of Nairobi. The deformation can majorly be linked to overexploitation of groundwater as it matches with regions with the highest rate of decline of groundwater levels. However, there exist also subsidence linked to rapid development. Given the significance of Nairobi to the Kenyan economy, the ripple effects of subsidence could be devastating and measures need to be taken to mitigate them. The deformation map provides an important tool for planning mitigation measures to prevent further deformation such as regulating the drilling of boreholes, planning of construction of buildings and transport networks, and locations for the observation wells for monitoring groundwater levels. It also reinforces the need for updating the geodetic network that has been rendered unreliable due to land subsidence.