bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The morphological and chemical properties of fine roots respond to nitrogen addition in a temperate Schrenk’s spruce (Picea schrenkiana) forest
Authors: Zhu Haiqiang , Zhao Jingjing , Gong Lu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFine roots (< 2 mm in diameter) play an important role in belowground ecosystem processes, and their physiological ecology is easily altered by nitrogen deposition. To better understand the response of physiological and ecological processes of fine roots to nitrogen deposition, a manipulation experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of exogenous nitrogen addition (control (0 kg ha−1 a−1), low (5 kg ha−1 a−1), moderate (10 kg ha−1 a−1), and high nitrogen (20 kg ha−1 a−1)) on the biomass, morphological characteristics, chemical elements and nonstructural carbohydrates of fine roots in a Picea schrenkiana forest. We found that most fine roots were located in the 0–20 cm of soil layer across all nitrogen treatment groups (42.81–52.09% of the total biomass). Compared with the control, the biomass, specific root length and specific root area of the fine roots increased in the medium nitrogen treatment, whereas the fine roots biomass was lower in the high nitrogen treatment than in the other treatments. In fine roots, nitrogen addition promotes the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus and their stoichiometric ratio, while reducing the content of nonstructural carbohydrates. The content of nonstructural carbohydrates in the small-diameter roots (< 1 mm in diamter) in each nitrogen treatment group was lower than that in the large-diameter roots. Correlation analysis showed that soil carbon and nitrogen were positively correlated with fine root biomass and specific root length and negatively correlated with the nonstructural carbohydrates. Our findings demonstrate that medium nitrogen addition is conducive to the development of fine root morphology, while excessive nitrogen can suppress the growth of root systems.
Kerogen nanoscale structure and CO2 adsorption in shale micropores
Authors: Gonciaruk Aleksandra , Hall Matthew R. , Fay Michael W. , Parmenter Christopher D. J. , Vane Christopher H. , Khlobystov Andrei N. , Ripepi Nino 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGas storage and recovery processes in shales critically depend on nano-scale porosity and chemical composition, but information about the nanoscale pore geometry and connectivity of kerogen, insoluble organic shale matter, is largely unavailable. Using adsorption microcalorimetry, we show that once strong adsorption sites within nanoscale network are taken, gas adsorption even at very low pressure is governed by pore width rather than chemical composition. A combination of focused ion beam with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy reveal the nanoscale structure of kerogen includes not only the ubiquitous amorphous phase but also highly graphitized sheets, fiber- and onion-like structures creating nanoscale voids accessible for gas sorption. Nanoscale structures bridge the current gap between molecular size and macropore scale in existing models for kerogen, thus allowing accurate prediction of gas sorption, storage and diffusion properties in shales.
Five animal phyla in glacier ice reveal unprecedented biodiversity in New Zealand's Southern Alps
Authors: Shain Daniel H. , Novis Philip M. , Cridge Andrew G. , Zawierucha Krzysztof , Geneva Anthony J. , Dearden Peter K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGlacier ice is an extreme environment in which most animals cannot survive. Here we report the colonization of high elevation, climate-threatened glaciers along New Zealand’s southwestern coast by species of Arthropoda, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, Rotifera and Tardigrada. Based on DNA barcoding and haplotype-inferred evidence for deep genetic variability, at least 12 undescribed species are reported, some of which have persisted in this niche habitat throughout the Pleistocene. These findings identify not only an atypical biodiversity hotspot but also highlight the adaptive plasticity of microinvertebrate Animalia.
Theory of the sp–d coupling of transition metal impurities with free carriers in ZnO
Authors: Ciechan Anna , Bogusławski Piotr 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe $$s,p{-}d$$

s
,
p
-
d

exchange coupling between the spins of band carriers and of transition metal (TM) dopants ranging from Ti to Cu in ZnO is studied within the density functional theory. The $$+U$$

+
U

corrections are included to reproduce the experimental ZnO band gap and the dopant levels. The p–d coupling reveals unexpectedly complex features. In particular, (i) the p–d coupling constants $$N_0\beta$$

N
0

β

vary about 10 times when going from V to Ni, (ii) not only the value but also the sign of $$N_0\beta$$

N
0

β

depends on the charge state of the dopant, (iii) the p–d coupling with the heavy holes and the light holes is not the same; in the case of Fe, Co and Ni, $$N_0\beta$$

N
0

β

s for the two subbands can differ twice, and for Cu the opposite sign of the coupling is found for light and heavy holes. The main features of the p–d coupling are determined by the p–d hybridization between the d(TM) and p(O) orbitals. In contrast, the s–d coupling constant $$N_0\alpha$$

N
0

α

is almost the same for all TM ions, and does not depend on the charge state of the dopant. The TM-induced spin polarization of the p(O) orbitals contributes to the s–d coupling, enhancing $$N_0\alpha$$

N
0

α

.
Biochemical aspects of seeds from Cannabis sativa L. plants grown in a mountain environment
Authors: Cattaneo Chiara , Givonetti Annalisa , Leoni Valeria , Guerrieri Nicoletta , Manfredi Marcello , Giorgi Annamaria , Cavaletto Maria 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCannabis sativa L. (hemp) is a versatile plant which can adapt to various environmental conditions. Hempseeds provide high quality lipids, mainly represented by polyunsaturated acids, and highly digestible proteins rich of essential aminoacids. Hempseed composition can vary according to plant genotype, but other factors such as agronomic and climatic conditions can affect the presence of nutraceutic compounds. In this research, seeds from two cultivars of C. sativa (Futura 75 and Finola) grown in a mountain environment of the Italian Alps were analyzed. The main purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the protein profile of seeds obtained from such environments, using two methods (sequential and total proteins) for protein extraction and two analytical approaches SDS-PAGE and 2D-gel electrophoresis, followed by protein identification by mass spectrometry. The fatty acids profile and carotenoids content were also analysed. Mountain environments mainly affected fatty acid and protein profiles of Finola seeds. These changes were not predictable by the sole comparison of certified seeds from Futura 75 and Finola cultivars. The fatty acid profile confirmed a high PUFA content in both cultivars from mountain area, while protein analysis revealed a decrease in the protein content of Finola seeds from the experimental fields.
Protective role of Chlorella vulgaris with Thiamine against Paracetamol induced toxic effects on haematological, biochemical, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological changes in Wistar rats
Authors: Latif Amera Abd El , Assar Doaa H. , Elkaw Ebtihal M. , Hamza Hanafy A. , Alkhalifah Dalal Hussien M. , Hozzein Wael N. , Hamouda Ragaa A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractParacetamol is extensively consumed as an analgesic and antipyretic drug, but at a high dose level, it leads to deleterious side effects, such as hepatic and nephrotoxicity. This research aimed to estimate the prophylactic efficacy of Chlorella vulgaris and/or thiamine against paracetamol (P) induced hepatorenal and cardiac toxicity. Forty-eight female Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight equal groups (n = 6 rats). Group 1, normal control group. Group 2, Paracetamol group. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were treated with Silymarin drug, Chlorella vulgaris alga, Chlorella vulgaris alga supplemented with thiamine, respectively daily for 7 successive days, then all were administered Paracetamol (2gm/kg. bwt.). While, Groups 6, 7 and 8 were treated by Silymarin, Chlorella vulgaris alga, Chlorella vulgaris supplemented with thiamine, respectively daily for 7 successive days without paracetamol administration. Our results clarified that Paracetamol toxicity caused significant adverse effects on hematological, serum biochemical parameters, and oxidant -antioxidant status as well as histopathological picture of heart, liver, and kidney. However, in the Paracetamol intoxicated groups pretreatment either with Chlorella vulgaris alone or plus thiamine successfully improved the undesirable deleterious effects of paracetamol, and restored almost all variables to near their control levels. This study has finished to that oxidative stress participates in the pathogenesis of paracetamol-induced toxicity in rats and using Chlorella vulgaris alga either alone or plus thiamine alongside their health benefits can protect against oxidative harmful effects induced by paracetamol through their free radical scavenging and powerful antioxidant effects, and they can be used as propylactic agents against paracetamol-induced toxicity.
-308G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene and metabolic syndrome susceptibility: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Dong , He Liqun , Zhang Xiaotian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMany studies tried to assess the relationship between -308G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene and risk of metabolic syndrome (MS), but their results were contradictory. This meta-analysis aimed to precisely evaluate this association. A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed database and WanFang Med Online, STATA software 14.0 was used for the meta-analysis. Eleven independent studies containing 3277 cases and 3312 controls were included in our meta-analysis. In overall analysis, significant association was found between -308G/A polymorphism of TNF-α and MS in both allele model (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.09–1.98, P 0.013) and dominant model (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.21–2.58, P 0.003). In the subgroup analysis, the A allele was associated with increased risk of MS in Asia group (allele model: OR 1.82 95% CI 1.31–2.53, P < 0.001; dominant model: OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.64–3.21 P < 0.001; homozygous model: OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.31–4.01, P 0.004), and decreased risk of MS in Europe group (dominant model: OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.99, P < 0.001; recessive model: OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.92, P 0.025; homozygous model: OR 0.49 95% CI 0.27–0.89, P 0.02). The A allele also appeared to linked to increased risk of MS in CDS group and IDF groups. No significant association was observed in NCEPATPIII group. Our results suggested that -308G/A of TNF-α gene was a risk factor for MS, but it may played different roles in different ethnics, further studies with larger sample size and more other ethnics should be performed to confirm our conclusions.
Point-of-care testing of plasma free hemoglobin and hematocrit for mechanical circulatory support
Authors: Shin Dong Ah , Lee Jung Chan , Shin Heean , Cho Young-Jae , Kim Hee Chan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHematological analysis is essential for patients who are supported by a mechanical circulatory support (MCS). The laboratory methods used to analyze blood components are conventional and accurate, but they require a mandatory turn-around-time for laboratory results, and because of toxic substances, can also be hazardous to analysis workers. Here, a simple and rapid point-of-care device is developed for the measurement of plasma free hemoglobin (PFHb) and hematocrit (Hct), based on colorimetry. The device consists of camera module, minimized centrifuge system, and the custom software that includes the motor control algorithm for the centrifuge system, and the image processing algorithm for measuring the color components of blood from the images. We show that our device measured PFHb with a detection limit of 0.75 mg/dL in the range of (0–100) mg/dL, and Hct with a detection limit of 2.14% in the range of (20–50)%. Our device had a high correlation with the measurement method generally used in clinical laboratories (PFHb R = 0.999, Hct R = 0.739), and the quantitative analysis resulted in precision of 1.44 mg/dL for PFHb value of 14.5 mg/dL, 1.36 mg/dL for PFHb value of 53 mg/dL, and 1.24% for Hct 30%. Also, the device can be measured without any pre-processing when compared to the clinical laboratory method, so results can be obtained within 5 min (about an 1 h for the clinical laboratory method). Therefore, we conclude that the device can be used for point-of-care measurement of PFHb and Hct for MCS.
Comparison of CURB-65, PSI, and qSOFA for predicting pneumonia mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yamazaki Ryo , Nishiyama Osamu , Yoshikawa Kazuya , Saeki Sho , Sano Hiroyuki , Iwanaga Takashi , Tohda Yuji 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSome patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) require hospitalization due to pneumonia. Although predictive scoring tools have been developed and validated for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), their usefulness in IPF is unknown. The Confusion, Urea, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure and Age (CURB-65) score and the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) are validated for CAP. The quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) is also reported to be useful. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of these tools to predict pneumonia mortality among hospitalized patients with IPF. A total of 79 patients with IPF and pneumonia were hospitalized for the first time between January 2008 and December 2017. The hospital mortality rate was 15.1%. A univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the CURB-65 (odds ratio 4.04, 95% confidence interval 1.60–10.2, p = 0.003), PSI (4.00, 1.48–10.7, 0.006), and qSOFA (5.00, 1.44–1.72, 0.01) scores were significantly associated with hospital mortality. There was no statistically significant difference between the three receiver operating characteristic curves (0.712, 0.736, and 0.692, respectively). The CURB-65, PSI, and qSOFA are useful tools for predicting pneumonia mortality among hospitalized patients with IPF. Because of its simplicity, the qSOFA may be most suitable for early assessment.
A Casz1–NuRD complex regulates temporal identity transitions in neural progenitors
Authors: Mattar Pierre , Jolicoeur Christine , Dang Thanh , Shah Sujay , Clark Brian S. , Cayouette Michel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNeural progenitor cells undergo identity transitions during development to ensure the generation different types of neurons and glia in the correct sequence and proportions. A number of temporal identity factors that control these transitions in progenitor competence have been identified, but the molecular mechanisms underlying their function remain unclear. Here, we asked how Casz1, the mammalian orthologue of Drosophila castor, regulates competence during retinal development. We show that Casz1 is required to control the transition between neurogenesis and gliogenesis. Using BioID proteomics, we reveal that Casz1 interacts with the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex in retinal cells. Finally, we show that both the NuRD and the polycomb repressor complexes are required for Casz1 to promote the rod fate and suppress gliogenesis. As additional temporal identity factors have been found to interact with the NuRD complex in other contexts, we propose that these factors might act through this common biochemical process to regulate neurogenesis.
A proof-of-concept study of the in-vivo validation of a computational fluid dynamics model of personalized radioembolization
Authors: Antón Raúl , Antoñana Javier , Aramburu Jorge , Ezponda Ana , Prieto Elena , Andonegui Asier , Ortega Julio , Vivas Isabel , Sancho Lidia , Sangro Bruno , Bilbao José Ignacio , Rodríguez-Fraile Macarena 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRadioembolization (RE) with yttrium-90 (90Y) microspheres, a transcatheter intraarterial therapy for patients with liver cancer, can be modeled computationally. The purpose of this work was to correlate the results obtained with this methodology using in vivo data, so that this computational tool could be used for the optimization of the RE procedure. The hepatic artery three-dimensional (3D) hemodynamics and microsphere distribution during RE were modeled for six 90Y-loaded microsphere infusions in three patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using a commercially available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package. The model was built based on in vivo data acquired during the pretreatment stage. The results of the simulations were compared with the in vivo distribution assessed by 90Y PET/CT. Specifically, the microsphere distribution predicted was compared with the actual 90Y activity per liver segment with a commercially available 3D-voxel dosimetry software (PLANET Dose, DOSIsoft). The average difference between the CFD-based and the PET/CT-based activity distribution was 2.36 percentage points for Patient 1, 3.51 percentage points for Patient 2 and 2.02 percentage points for Patient 3. These results suggest that CFD simulations may help to predict 90Y-microsphere distribution after RE and could be used to optimize the RE procedure on a patient-specific basis.
Deep-sea turbulence evolution observed by multiple closely spaced instruments
Authors: Yang Chu-Fang , Chi Wu-Cheng , van Haren Hans 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTurbulent mixing in the deep ocean is not well understood. The breaking of internal waves on sloped seafloor topography can generate deep-sea turbulence. However, it is difficult to measure turbulence comprehensively due to its multi-scale processes, in addition to flow–flow and flow–topography interactions. Dense, high-resolution spatiotemporal coverage of observations may help shed light on turbulence evolution. Here, we present turbulence observations from four broadband ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) and a 200-m vertical thermistor string (T-string) in a footprint of 1 × 1 km to characterize turbulence induced by internal waves at a depth of 3000 m on a Pacific continental slope. Correlating the OBS-calculated time derivative of kinetic energy and the T-string-calculated turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate, we propose that the OBS-detected signals were induced by near-seafloor turbulence. Strong disturbances were detected during a typhoon period, suggesting large-scale inertial waves breaking with upslope transport speeds of 0.2–0.5 m s−1. Disturbances were mostly excited on the downslope side of the array where the internal waves from the Pacific Ocean broke initially and the turbulence oscillated between < 1 km small-scale ridges. Such small-scale topography caused varying turbulence-induced signals due to localized waves breaking. Arrayed OBSs can provide complementary observations to characterize deep-sea turbulence.
Polarimetric imaging microscopy for advanced inspection of vegetal tissues
Authors: Van Eeckhout Albert , Garcia-Caurel Enrique , Garnatje Teresa , Escalera Juan Carlos , Durfort Mercè , Vidal Josep , Gil José J. , Campos Juan , Lizana Angel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOptical microscopy techniques for plant inspection benefit from the fact that at least one of the multiple properties of light (intensity, phase, wavelength, polarization) may be modified by vegetal tissues. Paradoxically, polarimetric microscopy although being a mature technique in biophotonics, is not so commonly used in botany. Importantly, only specific polarimetric observables, as birefringence or dichroism, have some presence in botany studies, and other relevant metrics, as those based on depolarization, are underused. We present a versatile method, based on a representative selection of polarimetric observables, to obtain and to analyse images of plants which bring significant information about their structure and/or the spatial organization of their constituents (cells, organelles, among other structures). We provide a thorough analysis of polarimetric microscopy images of sections of plant leaves which are compared with those obtained by other commonly used microscopy techniques in plant biology. Our results show the interest of polarimetric microscopy for plant inspection, as it is non-destructive technique, highly competitive in economical and time consumption, and providing advantages compared to standard non-polarizing techniques.
Calculating the optimal hematocrit under the constraint of constant cardiac power
Authors: Sitina Michal , Stark Heiko , Schuster Stefan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn humans and higher animals, a trade-off between sufficiently high erythrocyte concentrations to bind oxygen and sufficiently low blood viscosity to allow rapid blood flow has been achieved during evolution. Optimal hematocrit theory has been successful in predicting hematocrit (HCT) values of about 0.3–0.5, in very good agreement with the normal values observed for humans and many animal species. However, according to those calculations, the optimal value should be independent of the mechanical load of the body. This is in contradiction to the exertional increase in HCT observed in some animals called natural blood dopers and to the illegal practice of blood boosting in high-performance sports. Here, we present a novel calculation to predict the optimal HCT value under the constraint of constant cardiac power and compare it to the optimal value obtained for constant driving pressure. We show that the optimal HCT under constant power ranges from 0.5 to 0.7, in agreement with observed values in natural blood dopers at exertion. We use this result to explain the tendency to better exertional performance at an increased HCT.
Delayed mortality, resistance and the sweet spot, as the good, the bad and the ugly in phosphine use
Authors: Lampiri Evagelia , Agrafioti Paraskevi , Athanassiou Christos G. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPhosphine is the most commonly used gas for fumigation for durable commodities globally, but there is still inadequate information regarding its efficacy in conjunction with proper concentration monitoring. In a series of bioassays, insect mortality after specific exposure intervals to phosphine in selected species was examined, as well as the appearance of the so called "sweet spot". The species that were tested were: Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) with populations that had different levels of phosphine resistance. Evaluation was conducted by using the Phosphine Tolerance Test (PTT), with exposure of the adult stage for 15, 30, 60, 90, 150 and 300 min at 3000 ppm. At the end of these intervals (separate bioassays for each time interval), the insects were transferred to Petri dishes, in which recovery was recorded at different time intervals (2 h, 1, 2 and 7 days). The majority of susceptible populations of all species were instantly immobilized even in the shortest exposure period (15 min), in contrast with resistant populations that were active even after 300 min. After exposure to phosphine, populations and exposure time affected mortality of susceptible populations, whereas resistant populations recovered regardless of species and exposure time. Additional bioassays at the concentrations of 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm for 1, 3, 5, 20, 30 and 40 h showed the presence of the "sweet spot", i.e., decrease of mortality with the increase of concentration. In fact, for most of the tested species, the "sweet spot" appeared in 1000 and 2000 ppm at a 5-h exposure time, regardless of the level of resistance to phosphine. This observation is particularly important both in terms of the assessment of resistance and in the context of non-linear recovery at elevated concentrations, indicating the occurrence of strong hormetic reversals in phosphine efficacy.