bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Do Different Nitrogen Application Levels and Irrigation Practices Impact Biological Nitrogen Fixation and its Distribution in Paddy System?
Authors: Zhang Yanhui , Hu Tianlong , Wang Hui , Jin Haiyang , Liu Qi , Lin Zhibin , Liu Benjuan , Liu Hongtao , Chen Zhe , Lin Xinwu , Wang Xiaojie , Ma Jing , Sun Delin , Sun Xiaoli , Tang Haoye , Bei Qicheng , Cherubini Francesco , Arp Hans Peter H. , Xie Zubin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background and aimsBiological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in paddy systems is impacted by nitrogen application levels and irrigation strategies, but the extents to which these factores influence BNF and its distribution in soil and rice were still largely unclear. This study investigates this influence.MethodsAn airtight transparent growth chamber 15N-labelling system were used to investigate how different nitrogen application levels (0, 125, 187.5 and 250 kg N ha-1) and irrigation strategies (flooding irrigation or intermittent irrigation) impact the amount of BNF and its distribution in soil and rice. ResultsNitrogen application at 125 ~ 250 kg N ha-1 reduced the amount of BNF by 81% - 86%. The inhibition effect of nitrogen application on BNF at a soil depth of 1-15 cm was greater than that at 0-1 cm. Relative to the continuous flooding irrigation, intermittent irrigation enhanced rice growth and promoted the transfer of fixed nitrogen from 0-1 cm soil layer to rice, but it did not change the total amount of BNF. ConclusionsThis study indicated that BNF supplied little nitrogen for rice production at the high nitrogen application levels, but the intermittent irrigation could promote utilization of biologically fixed nitrogen.
Promoting organizational vision integration among hospital employees
Authors: Slåtten Terje , Lien Gudbrand , Mutonyi Barbara Rebecca 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The concept of organizational vision has been little explored within the health-care services research literature. Based on this knowledge gap in the literature, this study examines the factors that potentially promote organizational vision integration (OVI), which refers to the employees’ use of organizational vision as a guiding framework in their respective work roles. The roles of organizational commitment (OC), leadership autonomy support (LAS), and organizational culture on hospital employees’ OVI are examined.
Methods
Hospital employees participated in a survey. Partial least-squares structural equation modelling was performed using SmartPLS 3 software to test the proposed hypotheses statistically. A bootstrapping test was used to identify the mediating effects.
Results
The main findings show that: (i) OC is the most powerful factor to promote employees’ OVI (\(\beta\) = 0.26), while organizational culture (represented by the concept of internal market-oriented culture) and LAS showed significantly less and almost equal impact (\(\beta\) = 0.16 and \(\beta\) = 0.15, respectively), respectively, and in total explains 25% of the variance in the concept of OVI; (ii) LAS and organizational culture both significantly contribute to employees’ OC (\(\beta\) = 0.35 and \(\beta\) = 0.29, respectively) and in total explains nearly 40% (\({R}^{2}=0.38)\) of the variance in the concept of OC; (iii) the relationships between organizational culture, LAS, and OVI are mediated through OC; and (iv) LAS mediates the relationships between organizational culture and OVI, and between organizational culture and OC.
Conclusions
To promote hospital employees’ OVI effectively, hospital managers should especially focus on their employees’ OC. Specifically, they should strengthen their employees’ OC through building a strong employee-focused organizational culture in addition to leaders who practice LAS. This contributes to promoting hospital employees’ OVI.
Corneal nerve loss in patients with TIA and acute ischemic stroke in relation to circulating markers of inflammation and vascular integrity
Authors: Khan Adnan , Parray Aijaz , Akhtar Naveed , Agouni Abdelali , Kamran Saadat , Pananchikkal Sajitha V. , Priyanka Ruth , Gad Hoda , Ponirakis Georgios , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Chen Kuan-Han , Tayyab Kausar , Saqqur Maher , Shuaib Ashfaq , Malik Rayaz A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Vascular and inflammatory mechanisms are implicated in the development of cerebrovascular disease and corneal nerve loss occurs in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We have assessed whether serum markers of inflammation and vascular integrity are associated with the severity of corneal nerve loss in patients with TIA and AIS.
Methods
Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) was performed to quantify corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) in 105 patients with TIA or AIS and age matched control subjects (n = 56). Circulating levels of IL-6, MMP-2, MMP-9, E-Selectin, P-Selectin and VEGF were quantified in patients within 48 hours of presentation with a TIA or AIS.
Results
CNFL (P = 0.000, P = 0.000), CNFD (P = 0.122, P = 0.000) and CNBD (P = 0.002, P = 0.000) were reduced in patients with TIA and AIS compared to controls, respectively with no difference between patients with AIS and TIA. The NIHSS Score (P = 0.000), IL-6 (P = 0.011) and E-Selectin (P = 0.032) were higher in patients with AIS compared to TIA with no difference in MMP-2 (P = 0.636), MMP-9 (P = 0.098), P-Selectin (P = 0.395) and VEGF (P = 0.831). CNFL (r = 0.218, P = 0.026) and CNFD (r = 0.230, P = 0.019) correlated with IL-6 and multiple regression analysis showed a positive association of CNFL and CNFD with IL-6 (P = 0.041, P = 0.043).
Conclusions
Patients with TIA and stroke have evidence of corneal nerve loss and elevated IL6 and E-selectin levels. Larger longitudinal studies are required to determine the association between inflammatory and vascular markers and corneal nerve fiber loss in patients with cerebrovascular disease.
Sensitivity of cohesin–chromatin association to high-salt treatment corroborates non-topological mode of loop extrusion
Authors: Golov Arkadiy K. , Golova Anastasia V. , Gavrilov Alexey A. , Razin Sergey V. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cohesin is a key organizer of chromatin folding in eukaryotic cells. The two main activities of this ring-shaped protein complex are the maintenance of sister chromatid cohesion and the establishment of long-range DNA–DNA interactions through the process of loop extrusion. Although the basic principles of both cohesion and loop extrusion have been described, we still do not understand several crucial mechanistic details. One of such unresolved issues is the question of whether a cohesin ring topologically embraces DNA string(s) during loop extrusion. Here, we show that cohesin complexes residing on CTCF-occupied genomic sites in mammalian cells do not interact with DNA topologically. We assessed the stability of cohesin-dependent loops and cohesin association with chromatin in high ionic strength conditions in G1-synchronised HeLa cells. We found that increased salt concentration completely displaces cohesin from those genomic regions that correspond to CTCF-defined loop anchors. Unsurprisingly, CTCF-anchored cohesin loops also dissipate in these conditions. Because topologically engaged cohesin is considered to be salt resistant, our data corroborate a non-topological model of loop extrusion. We also propose a model of cohesin activity throughout the interphase, which essentially equates the termination of non-topological loop extrusion with topological loading of cohesin. This theoretical framework enables a parsimonious explanation of various seemingly contradictory experimental findings.
Real-time CMR Fourier Analysis for Temporospatial Characterization of Ventricular Wall Motion in Health and Disease
Authors: Li Yu Yulee , Rashid Shams , Craft Jason , Cheng Yang J. , Schapiro William , Gliganic Kathleen , Yamashita Ann-Marie , Grgas Marie , Haag Elizabeth , Cao J. Jane 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been largely dependent on retrospective cine for image acquisition. Real-time imaging, although inferior in image quality to retrospective cine, is advantageous in examining temporospatial behaviors of cardiac motion over a series of sequential cardiac cycles. The presented work is a proof-of-concept of assessing cardiac function quantitatively with novel temporospatial indices in real-time CMR.
Methods

Fourier analysis was introduced for temporospatial characterization of real-time CMR signals arising from ventricular wall motion. Two quantitative indices, temporal periodicity and spatial coherence, were provided for function assessment in the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV). We prospectively investigated these temporospatial indices in a CMR study with healthy volunteers and heart failure (HF) patients.
Results

Real-time images were collected and analyzed in 12 healthy volunteers during exercise and at rest, and also in 12 HF patients at rest. The statistics indicated that the healthy volunteers presented an increase of temporal periodicity due to ventricular response to exercise (resting-state 0.24 ± 0.037 vs. exercising-state 0.31 ± 0.040 in LV; resting-state 0.18 ± 0.030 vs. exercising-state 0.25 ± 0.038 in RV; P < 0.001 for both). The HF patients gave lower temporal periodicity (0.14 ± 0.021 for LV; 0.10 ± 0.014 for RV; P < 0.001 for both) than that in the healthy volunteers. The spatial coherence of LV and RV wall motion was also lower in the HF patients than that in the healthy volunteers (0.38 ± 0.040 vs 0.52 ± 0.039 for LV; 0.35 ± 0.035 vs. 0.50 ± 0.036 for RV; P < 0.001 for both). Both temporal periodicity and spatial coherence were found to be correlated to end-systolic volume (ESV) and ejection-fraction (EF) (R > 0.6, P < 0.001). However, the HF patients and healthy volunteers were well differentiated in the scatter plots of spatial coherence and temporal periodicity while they were mixed in those of ESV and EF.
Conclusions

Real-time CMR Fourier analysis enables a new approach to quantitative assessment of cardiac function with temporal periodicity and spatial coherence. The temporospatial characterization of real-time CMR images has the potential for intricate analysis of ventricular wall motion beyond conventional methods.
Calculation Method of Short Duration Rainstorm Intensity Formula Considering Non-Stationarity of Rainfall Series: Impacts on Simulation of Urban Drainage System
Authors: Wu Zening , Liu Shifeng , Wang Huiliang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The changing nature of the earth's climate and rapid urbanization lead to the change of rainfall characteristics in urban areas, and the stability of rainfall series is destroyed, it is a difficult challenge to consider this change in urban drainage simulation. A variety of methods are used to test the stationarity of annual maximum rainfall intensity series of Zhengzhou meteorological station from 1981 to 2010, and the intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves of changing environment are fitted by GAMLSS model and further generalized into short duration rainstorm intensity formula. The 3-hour design rainstorm in different scenarios was used as the input of Mike Flood model to simulate the operation of the campus drainage system of Zhengzhou University. Results indicated that: The rainfall series is non-stationary and has an increasing trend. Although the parameters of the short duration rainstorm intensity formula have no fixed change rules, there are traces to follow in the design rainstorm. According to Mike Flood model, the non-stationary scenario provides a series of dangerous signals such as more flood volume, larger inundation area, higher flood depth and slower recession process. The flood volume of the non-stationary scenario is 23.5% more than that of the stationary scenario, and the inundated area is 18.5% more when the return period is 5 years. In the future, the difference is 34.0% and 24.6% respectively, and it can reach more than 50% when the return period is once in two years. We will discuss the non-stationarity and challenges brought about by changing environments.
Expansion of Targetable Sites for the Ribonucleoprotein-Based CRISPR/Cas9 System in the Silkworm Bombyx Mori
Authors: Zou Yun-long , Ye Ai-jun , Liu Shuo , Wu Wen-tao , Xu Li-feng , Dai Fang-yin , Tong Xiaoling 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:With the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, multiple gene editing procedures became available for the silkworm. Although binary transgene-based methods have been widely used to generate mutants, delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system via DNA-free ribonucleoproteins offers several advantages. However, the T7 promoter that is widely used in the ribonucleoprotein-based method for production of sgRNAs in vitro requires a 5’ GG motif for efficient initiation. The resulting transcripts bear a 5’ GG motif, which significantly constrains the number of targetable sites in the silkworm genome. Results:In this study, we used the T7 promoter to add two supernumerary G residues to the 5’ end of conventional (perfectly matched) 20-nucleotide sgRNA targeting sequences. We then asked if sgRNAs with this structure can generate mutations even if the genomic target does not contain corresponding GG residues. As expected, 5’ GG mismatches depress the mutagenic activity of sgRNAs, and a single 5’ G mismatch has a relatively minor effect. However, tests involving six sgRNAs targeting two genes show that the mismatches do not eliminate mutagenesis in vivo, and the efficiencies remain at useable levels. One sgRNA with a 5’ GG mismatch at its target performed mutagenesis more efficiently than a conventional sgRNA with 5’ matched GG residues at a second target within the same gene. Mutations generated by sgRNAs with 5’ GG mismatches are also heritable. We successfully obtained null mutants with detectable phenotypes from sib-mated mosaics after one generation. Conclusions: In summary, our method improves the utility and flexibility of the ribonucleoprotein-based CRISPR/Cas9 system in silkworm.
Immobilization of Chaetomium erraticum dextranase (CED) by adsorption on carboxylated multi walled carbon nanotubes (c-MWCNT)
Authors: Aslan Yakup , Ghafour Barzan Ismael 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, CED was immobilized onto c-MWCNT by adsorption. Optimization of immobilization conditions (immobilization buffer's pH and molarity, c-MWCNT amount, and immobilization time) was resulted in 100% immobilization yield and 114.13% activity yield. Further, characterization of FCED and ICED was also studied. After immobilization, the optimum pH shifted from 5.0 to 6.0, while the optimum temperature (55 °C) did not change. Furthermore, kinetic constants for FCED and ICED were also determined using the Lineweaver-Burk plot. The Km value for both FCED and ICED were 54.35 g / L, while Vmax values for FCED and ICED were 2.77 μmol reducing sugar / L.mg.min and 3.19 μmol reducing sugar / L.mg.min, respectively. Moreover, there was no reduction in the initial activity of ICED after 20 consecutive uses and 30 days of storage at optimal storage conditions. Finally, 17.15% and 17.53% of the dextran in 10% dextran solution (pH 6.0) were converted to reduced sugars (IMOs and Glucose) in 12 hours using FCED and ICED, respectively. Consequently, it can be concluded that ICED obtained in this study can be effectively used for industrial production of IMOs and for hydrolysis of dextran.
Evidence from HP/UHP metasediments for recycling of isotopically heterogeneous potassium into the mantle
Authors: Wang Ze-Zhou , Teng Fang-Zhen , Busigny Vincent , Liu Sheng-Ao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Potassium isotopes may provide a novel approach for fingerprinting recycled sediments in the mantle due to the significant differences in K abundance and isotopic ratio between subducting sediment and the mantle. However, the behavior of K isotopes in sediments during subduction zone metamorphism is still unknown. Here we investigate K isotopic composition of a set of well-characterized high-to ultrahigh-pressure metasediments from the Schistes Lustrés nappe (western Alps), which represents marine sediments subducted down to ~90 km depth in a cold subduction zone, and their protoliths from the Lavagna nappe (Apennines, Italy). The metasediments display δ41KSRM 3141a values from –0.76‰ to –0.48‰, which are on average lower than the mantle value (–0.43‰) but similar to those of nonmetamorphic equivalents (–0.79‰ to –0.49‰). No systemic variation of δ41K with metamorphic grade is observed, suggesting negligible K isotope fractionation in these sediments during prograde metamorphism. This is in accord with the limited loss of K during the entire metamorphic history as evidenced by the constancy of K/Rb and K/Cs ratios between metamorphic and non-metamorphic sediments and the absence of correlations of δ41K with K/Rb and K/Cs. The heterogeneous δ41K values of metasediments are most likely inherited from their protoliths, which experienced different degrees of chemical weathering depending on their provenances. Our results demonstrate that the variable and light K isotopic signatures in subducting sediments could be preserved to depths of at least 90 km along a cold geotherm gradient, indicating that the introduction of sediments into the mantle could produce K isotope heterogeneity in the source regions of mantle-derived lavas.
Soil salinization affected by hydrogeochemical processes of shallow groundwater in Cangzhou City, a coastal region in North China
Authors: He Jin , Den Qijun , Ma Xuejun , Su Xiaosi , Ma Xuemei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study sought to further the current understanding on the relationship between soil salinization and groundwater hydrochemical processes. To this effect, 33 soil samples and 64 shallow groundwater samples were collected in Cangzhou City, a coastal region of the North China Plain. Soil salinization showed clear patterns of zonation from inland to coastal areas. The no-salinization or mild-salinization with Cl-SO4 or SO4-Cl types were discovered in the west of Cang County farther from the sea; this was restricted by brackish groundwater with HCO3·SO4-Ca·Na type and the deep water table. With increasing proximity to the coastline, groundwater salinity increased soil salt content and salinization, the effects of which were mainly determined by specific Cl/Br ratios and the seawater mixing index in groundwater. The positive δ18O and δ2H content in groundwater was related to the strong evaporation of groundwater with a shallow water table, indicating that the high soil salinity directly affected relict seawater evaporation. The observed severe-salinization soil and high NO3− concentrations indicate that agricultural activities were non-negligible salt sources in areas close to the sea. The results have relevance in improving saline-alkali soil and utilization of soil resources in the coastal areas in the North China Plain.
Urban rainfall characteristics and permeable pavement structure optimization for sponge road in North China
Authors: Li Zhe , Cao Yuanbo , Zhang Jiupeng , Liu Wolong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Permeable asphalt pavement types are generally selected according to local traffic volume and rainfall intensity. This study focuses on the design of the pavement drainage asphalt pavement combination scheme by analyzing the rainfall characteristics of five representative cities in North China. Furthermore, nine kinds of drainage pavement scheme applicable to Beijing are proposed. To this end, the permeable function design analysis, as well as the bearing capacity design analysis of permeable asphalt pavement, was carried out with the help of storm runoff simulation software SWMM5.1 and pavement structure analysis software BISAR3.0, respectively. The results indicate that the minimum total design thickness of permeable surface layer and permeable basic layer meeting the requirements of road drainage in this region is 170 mm, and the nine drainage pavement schemes meet the specification requirements.
Ethnobotany, Pharmacological Activities and Bioavailability Studies on “King of Bitters” (Kalmegh): A Review (2010-2020)
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kumar , Mehta Sharuti , Sharma Anil Kumar 
Published: March 2021

Background:Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as “Kalmegh”, is an annual herbaceous plant from family Acanthaceae. The whole plant of A. paniculata has explored for multiple pharmacological activities and is scientifically recognized by in-vivo and in-vitro studies. Various biotechnologically engineered techniques have been explored to enhance the bioavailability of this plant.Objective:In this review, we aim to present comprehensive recent advances in the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, specific pharmacology, safety and toxicology and bioavailability of A. paniculata and its pure compounds. Possible directions for future research are also outlined in brief, which will encourage advance investigations on this plant.Methods:Information on the recent updates of the present review is collected from different electronic scientific databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. All the composed information is classified into different sections according to the objective of the paper.Results:More than hundred research and review papers have been studied and incorporated in the present manuscript. After vast literature search of A. paniculata, we present a noteworthy report of various phytoconstituents present in plant, which are accountable for potential therapeutic properties of the plant. Forty-five of studied articles give general information about introduction, ethnobotany and traditional uses of the plant. Twenty-two papers enclosed information about the phytoconstituents present in different parts of A. paniculata and seventy-two papers briefly outlined the pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anti-dengue, anti-ulcerogenic, antifungal, some miscellaneous activities like activity against SARS-CoV-2, antidiarrhoeal. Nineteen studies highlighted the research work conducted by various researchers to increased bioavailability of A. paniculata and two studies reported the safety and toxicology of the plant.Conclusion:This review incorporated the scientifically validated research work encompassing the ethnobotanical description of the subjected plant, phytochemical profile, various pharmacological activities, and recent approaches to enhance the bioavailability of active metabolites.
Diabetic Complications: An Update on Pathobiology and Therapeutic
Strategies
Authors: Nellaiappan Karthika , Preeti Kumari , Khatri Dharmendra Kumar , Singh Shashi Bala 
Published: March 2021

:
Despite the advent of novel therapies which manage and control diabetes well, the increased
risk of morbidity and mortality in diabetic subjects is associated with the devastating secondary
complications it produces. Long-standing diabetes majorly drives cellular and molecular alterations,
which eventually damage both small and large blood vessels. The complications are prevalent
both in type I and type II diabetic subjects. The microvascular complications include diabetic
neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, while the macrovascular complications
include diabetic heart disease and stroke. The current therapeutic strategy alleviates the complications
to some extent but does not cure or prevent them. Also, the recent clinical trial outcomes in
this field are disappointing. Success in the drug discovery of diabetic complications may be
achieved by a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and by recognising the crucial
factors contributing to the development and progression of the disease. In this review, we discuss
the well-studied cellular mechanisms leading to the development and progression of diabetic
complications. In addition, we also highlight the various therapeutic paradigms currently in clinical
practice.