bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Millimetre-resolution mapping of citrate exuded from soil-grown roots using a novel, low-invasive sampling technique
Authors: Tiziani Raphael , Puschenreiter Markus , Smolders Erik , Mimmo Tanja , Herrera José Carlos , Cesco Stefano , Santner Jakob 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe reliable sampling of root exudates in soil-grown plants is experimentally challenging. This study aimed at developing a citrate sampling and mapping technique with millimetre-resolution using DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films) ZrOH-binding gels. Citrate adsorption kinetics, DGT capacity, and stability of ZrOH gels were evaluated. ZrOH gels were applied to generate 2D maps of citrate exuded by white lupin roots grown in a rhizotron in a phosphorus-deficient soil. Citrate was adsorbed quantitatively and rapidly by the ZrOH gels; these gels can be stored after sampling for several weeks prior to analysis. The DGT capacity of the ZrOH gel for citrate depends on the ionic strength and the pH of the soil solution, but was suitable for citrate sampling. We generated for the first time 2D citrate maps of rhizotron-grown plants at a millimetre resolution to measure an illustrated plant response to phosphorus fertilization, demonstrating that DGT-based citrate sampling is suitable for studying root exudation in soil environments, at high spatial resolution. The change of binding material would also allow sampling of other exudate classes and exudation profiles of entire root systems. These aspects are crucial in cultivar breeding and selection.
Serum IL-6 and TNF-α Levels Are Correlated with Disease Severity in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Du Jing , Sun Jinxia , Wen Zhanpeng , Wu Zhicheng , Li Qian , Xia Yuhao , Yang Qiannan , Yang Chao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies have shown that a number of cytokines participate in the regulation of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). To investigate the potential role of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) in AS pathogenesis, this study examined the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in patients with AS and its clinical association with disease activity.Materials and MethodsThe serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α from 80 patients with AS and 46 healthy control patients (HCs) were examined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The correlations between the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), computed tomography (CT) imaging-based classification, and laboratory indicators were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test.ResultsCompared to HCs, patients with AS showed higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. There was also a positive correlation between the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels and the BASDAI, the progression of AS, and the CT imaging–based classification. The serum levels of IL-6 correlated closely with C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. More important, patients with AS with hip joint involvement exhibited a significant elevation of serum levels of TNF-α, and higher IL-6 was detected in patients with the involvement of joints other than the hip and sacroiliac joints.ConclusionThe serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α can function as important indicators for auxiliary diagnosis and disease activity evaluation of AS.
The Role of Social Support in Concussion Disclosure in United States Air Force Academy Cadets: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Weber Rawlins Michelle L , Johnson Brian R , Jones Emily R , Register-Mihalik Johna K , Foster Craig , De Angelis Karin , Schmidt Julianne D , D’Lauro Christopher J 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadets are at risk for sustaining concussions; however, several factors inhibit disclosure. We aimed to better understand the role of social support in concussion disclosure.

Methods and Materials
We used a mixed methods approach with an electronic survey and interviews. The survey used a 9-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree and 9 = strongly agree) to assess concussion disclosure. Survey items asked cadets whom they felt most comfortable disclosing a concussion or bell-ringer/ding to, how quickly they would seek medical attention for a suspected concussion or bell-ringer/ding, whether cadets would be generally supportive/unsupportive of another cadet disclosing a concussion to medical staff, and whether other cadets important to them would be generally supportive/unsupportive if they reported a concussion to medical staff. Two multivariate linear regressions, one for concussion and one for bell-ringers/dings, were calculated to determine whether cadet choice of the person they felt most comfortable disclosing a concussion or bell-ringer/ding to predicted whether they would immediately seek medical attention for either condition. Choice of person included Air Officer Commanding (AOC)/Academy Military Trainer (AMT), upper classmen, cadet who had recovered from a concussion, cadet, closest friend, teammate, and squadmate. Descriptive analyses assessed whether cadets felt supported or unsupported by other cadets and by those who were important to them concerning concussion reporting. Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with cadets to explore their views on concussion disclosure.

Results
Increased comfort with disclosing a suspected concussion to an AOC/AMT had higher agreement seeking medical attention (β = 0.28, P &lt; .001). For every 1-point increase in being comfortable disclosing a potential bell-ringer/ding to an AOC/AMT (β = 0.272, P &lt; .001), squadmate (β = 0.241, P = .002), and teammate (β = −0.182, P = .035), agreement for seeking medical attention immediately increased 0.27, increased 0.24, and decreased 0.18, respectively. Interviews indicated cadets would often speak to a peer before seeking medical attention.

Conclusions
Our results suggested that cadets felt comfortable reporting a suspected concussion or bell-ringer/ding to various peers and that those peers would be supportive of that choice, indicating social support. Future interventions should include educating cadets that peers may come to them, especially if they are AOCs/AMTs or squadmates.
The neutrino emission from thermal processes in very massive stars in the local universe
Authors: Yusof N , Abu Kassim H , Garba L G , Ahmad N S 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We present a new overview of the life of very massive stars (VMS) in terms of neutrino emission from thermal processes: pair annihilation, plasmon decay, photoneutrino process, bremsstrahlung, and recombination processes in burning stages of selected VMS models. We use the realistic conditions of temperature, density, electron fraction, and nuclear isotropic composition of the VMS. Results are presented for a set of progenitor stars with mass of 150, 200, and 300 M⊙Z = 0.002 and 500 M⊙Z = 0.006 rotating models which are expected to explode as a pair instability supernova at the end of their life except the 300 M⊙ would end up as a black hole. It is found that for VMS, thermal neutrino emission occurs as early as towards the end of hydrogen burning stage due to the high initial temperature and density of these VMS. We calculate the total neutrino emissivity, Qν and luminosity, Lν using the structure profile of each burning stages of the models and observed the contribution of photoneutrino at early burning stages (H and He) and pair annihilation at the advanced stages. Pair annihilation and photoneutrino processes are the most dominant neutrino energy loss mechanisms throughout the evolutionary track of the VMS. At the O-burning stage, the neutrino luminosity ∼1047−48 erg s−1 depending on their initial mass and metallicity are slightly higher than the neutrino luminosity from massive stars. This could shed light on the possibility of using detection of neutrinos to locate the candidates for pair instability supernova in our local universe.
Appearance versus disappearance of broad absorption line troughs in quasars
Authors: Mishra Sapna , Vivek M , Chand Hum , Joshi Ravi 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We present a new set of 84 broad absorption line (BAL) quasars (1.7 &lt; zem &lt; 4.4) exhibiting an appearance of C iv BAL troughs over 0.3–4.8 rest-frame years by comparing the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release (SDSSDR)-7, SDSSDR-12, and SDSSDR-14 quasar catalogues. We contrast the nature of BAL variability in this appearing BAL quasar sample with a disappearing BAL quasar sample studied in the literature by comparing the quasar’s intrinsic, BAL trough, and continuum parameters between the two samples. We find that appearing BAL quasars have relatively higher redshift and smaller probed time-scales as compared to the disappearing BAL quasars. To mitigate the effect of any redshift bias, we created control samples of appearing and disappearing BAL quasars that have similar redshift distribution. We find that the appearing BAL quasars are relatively brighter and have shallower and wider BAL troughs compared to the disappearing BAL sample. The distribution of quasar continuum variability parameters between the two samples is clearly separated, with the appearance of the BAL troughs being accompanied by the dimming of the continuum and vice versa. Spectral index variations in the two samples also point to the anticorrelation between the BAL trough and continuum variations consistent with the ‘bluer when brighter’ trend in quasars. We show that the intrinsic dust model is less likely to be a favourable scenario in explaining BAL appearance/disappearance. Our analysis suggests that the extreme variations of BAL troughs like BAL appearance/disappearance are mainly driven by changes in the ionization conditions of the absorbing gas.
The formation of the milky way halo and its dwarf satellites: a NLTE-1D abundance analysis. IV. Segue 1, Triangulum ii, and Coma Berenices UFDs
Authors: Sitnova T M , Mashonkina L I , Tatarnikov A M , Voziakova O V , Burlak M A , Pakhomov Yu V , Jablonka P , Neretina M D , Frebel A 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We present atmospheric parameters and abundances for chemical elements from carbon to barium in metal-poor stars in Segue 1 (seven stars), Coma Berenices (three stars), and Triangulum ii (one star) ultrafaint dwarf galaxies (UFDs). The effective temperatures rely on new photometric observations in the visible and infra-red bands, obtained with the 2.5 m telescope of the SAI MSU Caucasian observatory. Abundances of up to fourteen chemical elements were derived under the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) line formation, and LTE abundances were obtained for up to five more elements. For the first time, we present abundance of oxygen in Seg 1 S1 and S4, silicon in ComaBer S2 and Tri ii S40, potassium in Seg 1 S1−S6 and ComaBer S1−S3, and barium in Seg 1 S7. Three stars in Segue 1, two stars in Coma Berenices, and Triangulum ii star have very low [Na/Mg] of −1.08 to −1.67 dex, which is usually attributed in the literature to an odd–even effect produced by nucleosynthesis in massive metal-free stars. We interpret this chemical property as a footprint of first stars, which is not blurred due to a small number of nucleosynthesis events that contributed to chemical abundance patterns of the sample stars. Our NLTE abundances of Sr and Ba in Coma Berenices, Segue 1, and Triangulum ii report on lower [Sr/Ba] abundance ratio in the UFDs compared to that in classical dwarf spheroidal galaxies and the Milky Way halo. However, in UFDs, just as in massive galaxies, [Sr/Ba] is not constant and it can be higher than the pure r-process ratio. We suggest a hypothesis of Sr production in metal-poor binaries at the earliest epoch of galactic evolution.
3C 84: a possibly precessing jet in 43-GHz observations
Authors: Dominik Rune M , Linhoff Lena , Elsässer Dominik , Rhode Wolfgang 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTThe central galaxy of the Perseus galaxy cluster, 3C 84 or NGC 1275, hosts one of the closest and well-observed active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and thus offered insights into a variety of phenomena over the past decades. Although close and well observed, some key properties of 3C 84 remain unknown. One of these properties is the inclination angle between the jet and the line of sight, for which a wide range of values can be found in publications. Previous studies have indicated a precessing behaviour of 3C 84’s jet that could explain these discrepancies. In this work, we analyse this behaviour at parsec scales using VLBA-BU-BLAZAR Program 43-GHz data. To obtain the position angles necessary to deduce the precessing motion, we use a primary component analysis to extract angles from the available images. The model parameters are estimated through Bayesian Inference. A clear change in the position angle is visible in our data, consistent with a precession. For a pure, non-relativistic precession model, we find a precession frequency of (12.5 ± 1.8)° yr−1. We further test the possibility of an additional nutation but can, so far, not obtain conclusive results.
Mlh1heterozygosity and promoter methylation associates with microsatellite instability in mouse sperm
Authors: Shrestha Kul S , Tuominen Minna M , Kauppi Liisa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins play an important role in maintaining genome stability, both in somatic and in germline cells. Loss of MLH1, a central MMR protein, leads to infertility and to microsatellite instability (MSI) in spermatocytes, however, the effect of Mlh1 heterozygosity on germline genome stability remains unexplored. To test the effect of Mlh1 heterozygosity on MSI in mature sperm, we combined mouse genetics with single-molecule PCR that detects allelic changes at unstable microsatellites. We discovered 4.5% and 5.9% MSI in sperm of 4- and 12-month-old Mlh1+/− mice, respectively, and that Mlh1 promoter methylation in Mlh1+/− sperm correlated with higher MSI. No such elevated MSI was seen in non-proliferating somatic cells. Additionally, we show contrasting dynamics of deletions versus insertions at unstable microsatellites (mononucleotide repeats) in sperm.
Supply Chain Actors’ Willingness to Switch the Business of Smokeless Tobacco: A Mixed-Methods Study on Naswar Business in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Fayaz , Khan Zohaib , Boeckmann Melanie , Khan Muhammad Naseem , Siddiqi Kamran , Ullah Safat , Zeeb Hajo , Forberger Sarah 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionProvision of alternate livelihoods to smokeless tobacco (SLT) supply chain (SC) actors can help in curtailing SLT business and its consumption. We explored the reasons for SC actors’ engagement in Naswar (SLT used in South Asia) business and their willingness to switch to other alternatives.Aims and MethodsWe conducted an equal-status concurrent mixed-methods study in four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. We surveyed 286 general points of sale (GPOS) and exclusive Naswar (EN) vendors through multistage cluster sampling. Additionally, we interviewed 15 tobacco farmers interpretively, being distinct from other SC actors. We assessed the association between vendors’ willingness to switch and their awareness about tobacco-harms, profit margin, Naswar as a family business, length of business, education level, and shop type using logistic regression. Qualitative data assessed the farmer’s viable alternatives to switch and were analyzed using deductive–inductive thematic analysis.ResultsProduct demand—77% and profit margins—75% were the main drivers for selling SLT by EN vendors. Half of the GPOS and 25% EN vendors expressed willingness to stop Naswar’s sale. Vendors aware of tobacco-harms were more willing to switch, but less likely to switch if Naswar was perceived to bring “good profit.” Farmers were mainly cultivating tobacco because of profitability, family-run farm, and perceived land-suitability for tobacco. Lack of government support was main constraint for farmers looking to switch.ConclusionsA considerable portion of Naswar SC actors in Pakistan are willing to switch to viable alternatives, with profitability of alternatives, support from authorities, and social obligations as key considerations in doing so.ImplicationsThis study highlights that good profit margins in the Naswar business, lack of awareness of tobacco-related health harms, and absence of the government’s support are key detriments to switching to alternative businesses among Naswar SC actors in Pakistan. These findings are the first to come out in the context of both Pakistan and Naswar product, making a case for policy interventions focusing on tax increases, awareness campaigns about tobacco-harms, and a proactive role by the government to provide support for the security of livelihoods to those tobacco SC actors who want to switch to other alternatives.
Recommendations for procedural sedation in infants, children, and adolescents
Authors: Krmpotic Kristina , Rieder Michael J , Rosen David 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Many paediatric patients require sedation and analgesia for diagnostic testing and therapeutic procedures outside the operating room. This statement reviews the literature on procedural sedation, focusing on the prevention of adverse events through the selection of appropriate patients, advance preparation for emergency situations, and adequate monitoring during and after the administration of pharmacologic agents. Procedural sedation should only be performed by clinicians who are competent in airway management and resuscitation, as part of a hospital program with active and engaged quality assurance and safety initiatives. Recommendations include the development of institutional policies and procedures for the safe delivery of procedural sedation in infants, children, and adolescents.
GTP binding by Arabidopsis extra-large G protein 2 is not essential for its functions
Authors: Maruta Natsumi , Trusov Yuri , Urano Daisuke , Chakravorty David , Assmann Sarah M , Jones Alan M , Botella Jose R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The extra-large guanosine-5′-triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein 2, XLG2, is an unconventional Gα subunit of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein complex with a major role in plant defense. In vitro biochemical analyses and molecular dynamic simulations show that affinity of XLG2 for GTP is two orders of magnitude lower than that of the conventional Gα, AtGPA1. Here we tested the physiological relevance of GTP binding by XLG2. We generated an XLG2(T476N) variant with abolished GTP binding, as confirmed by in vitro GTPγS binding assay. Yeast three-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and split firefly-luciferase complementation assays revealed that the nucleotide-depleted XLG2(T476N) retained wild-type XLG2-like interactions with the Gβγ dimer and defense-related receptor-like kinases. Both wild-type and nucleotide-depleted XLG2(T476N) restored the defense responses against Fusarium oxysporum and Pseudomonas syringae compromised in the xlg2 xlg3 double mutant. Additionally, XLG2(T476N) was fully functional restoring stomatal density, root growth, and sensitivity to NaCl, but failed to complement impaired germination and vernalization-induced flowering. We conclude that XLG2 is able to function in a GTP-independent manner and discuss its possible mechanisms of action.
Mobilization Started Within 2 Hours After Abdominal Surgery Improves Peripheral and Arterial Oxygenation: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Svensson-Raskh Anna , Schandl Anna Regina , Ståhle Agneta , Nygren-Bonnier Malin , Fagevik Olsén Monika 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate if mobilization out of bed, within 2 hours after abdominal surgery, improved participants’ respiratory function and whether breathing exercises had an additional positive effect.

Methods
Participants were 214 consecutively recruited patients who underwent elective open or robot-assisted laparoscopic gynecological, urological, or endocrinological abdominal surgery with an anesthetic duration of &gt;2 hours. They were recruited to a randomized controlled trial. Immediately after surgery, patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: mobilization (to sit in a chair) and standardized breathing exercises (n = 73), mobilization (to sit in a chair) only (n = 76), or control (n = 65). The interventions started within 2 hours after arrival at the postoperative recovery unit and continued for a maximum of 6 hours. The primary outcomes were differences in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2, as a percentage) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2, measured in kilopascals) between the groups. Secondary outcomes were arterial carbon dioxide pressure, spirometry, respiratory insufficiency, pneumonia, and length of stay.

Results
Based on intention-to-treat analysis (n = 214), patients who received mobilization and breathing exercises had significantly improved SpO2 (mean difference [MD] = 2.5%; 95% CI = 0.4 to 4.6) and PaO2 (MD = 1.40 kPa; 95% CI = 0.64 to 2.17) compared with the controls. For mobilization only, there was an increase in PaO2 (MD = 0.97 kPa; 95% CI = 0.20 to 1.74) compared with the controls. In the per-protocol analysis (n = 201), there were significant improvements in SpO2 and PaO2 for both groups receiving mobilization compared with the controls. Secondary outcome measures did not differ between groups.

Conclusion
Mobilization out of bed, with or without breathing exercises, within 2 hours after elective abdominal surgery improved SpO2 and PaO2.

Impact
The respiratory effect of mobilization (out of bed) immediately after surgery has not been thoroughly evaluated in the literature. This study shows that mobilization out of bed following elective abdominal surgery can improve SpO2 and PaO2.

Lay Summary
Mobilization within 2 hours after elective abdominal surgery, with or without breathing exercises, can improve patients’ respiratory function.
Regulatory T cell/Th17 balance in the pathogenesis of paediatric Behçet disease
Authors: Filleron Anne , Tran Tu Anh , Hubert Audrey , Letierce Alexia , Churlaud Guillaume , Koné-Paut Isabelle , Saadoun David , Cezar Renaud , Corbeau Pierre , Rosenzwajg Michelle 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Behçet disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. The aim of this study was to determine the orientation of T cell subpopulations in paediatric BD and more precisely to look for a regulatory T lymphocyte (Treg)/Th17 imbalance.

Methods
T cell subpopulations were analysed by flow cytometry in the peripheral blood of paediatric patients with acute BD (aBD; n = 24), remitting BD (rBD; n = 12) and in healthy controls (HCs; n = 24). Tregs (CD4+CD25hiCD127−/loFoxp3+), activated Tregs (GITR, LAP, CTLA-4 and HLA-DR expression), CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing IFN-γ (Th1 and Tc1) or IL-17 (Th17 and Tc17) under polyclonal (OKT3/IL-2) or antigenic (Streptococcus sanguis KTH-1 peptides and heat shock protein 60) stimulation were enumerated.

Results
Th17 (1.9- and 5.1-fold) and Tc17 (4.0- and 2.0-fold) frequency under mitogenic stimulation was significantly increased in aBD and rBD patients as compared with HCs. Th17 frequency under antigenic stimulation was also higher in patients than in HCs. The percentage and number of Tregs and activated Tregs in patients and in HCs were similar. However, when Tregs were removed, antigen-driven differentiation into Th1 and Th17 was significantly boosted in BD but not in HC CD4+ T cells.

Conclusion
There is a bias towards Th17 polarization in aBD and rBD in children. Although we did not observe an increase in the number of Tregs in these patients, their Tregs limit CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th1 and Th17 cells. Thus, in paediatric BD, Tregs seem to incompletely counterbalance a Th17 orientation of the Th cell response.