bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traits, strategies, and niches of liana species in a tropical seasonal rainforest
Authors: Liu Qi , Sterck Frank J. , Zhang Jiao-Lin , Scheire Arne , Konings Evelien , Cao Min , Sha Li-Qing , Poorter Lourens 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPlant functional traits and strategies hold the promise to explain species distribution, but few studies have linked multiple traits to multiple niche dimensions (i.e., light, water, and nutrients). Here, we analyzed for 29 liana species in a Chinese tropical seasonal rainforest how: (1) trait associations and trade-offs lead to different plant strategies; and (2) how these traits shape species’ niche dimensions. Eighteen functional traits related to light, water, and nutrient use were measured and species niche dimensions were quantified using species distribution in a 20-ha plot combined with data on canopy gaps, topographic water availability, and soil nutrients. We found a tissue toughness spectrum ranging from soft to hard tissues along which species also varied from acquisitive to conservative water use, and a resource acquisition spectrum ranging from low to high light capture and nutrient use. Intriguingly, each spectrum partly reflected the conservative–acquisitive paradigm, but at the same time, the tissue toughness and the resource acquisition spectrum were uncoupled. Resource niche dimensions were better predicted by individual traits than by multivariate plant strategies. This suggests that trait components that underlie multivariate strategy axes, rather than the plant strategies themselves determine species distributions. Different traits were important for different niche dimensions. In conclusion, plant functional traits and strategies can indeed explain species distributions, but not in a simple and straight forward way. Although the identification of global plant strategies has significantly advanced the field, this research shows that global, multivariate generalizations are difficult to translate to local conditions, as different components of these strategies are important under different local conditions.
Local and landscape responses of biodiversity in calcareous grasslands
Authors: Loos Jacqueline , Krauss Jochen , Lyons Ashley , Föst Stephanie , Ohlendorf Constanze , Racky Severin , Röder Marina , Hudel Lennart , Herfert Volker , Tscharntke Teja 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAcross Europe, calcareous grasslands become increasingly fragmented and their quality deteriorates through abandonment and land use intensification, both affecting biodiversity. Here, we investigated local and landscape effects on diversity patterns of several taxonomic groups in a landscape of highly fragmented calcareous grassland remnants. We surveyed 31 grassland fragments near Göttingen, Germany, in spring and summer 2017 for vascular plants, butterflies and birds, with sampling effort adapted to fragment area. Through regression modelling, we tested relationships between species richness and fragment size (from 314 to 51,395 m2), successional stage, habitat connectivity and the per cent cover of arable land in the landscape at several radii. We detected 283 plant species, 53 butterfly species and 70 bird species. Of these, 59 plant species, 19 butterfly species and 9 bird species were grassland specialists. Larger fragments supported twice the species richness of plants than small ones, and hosted more species of butterflies, but not of birds. Larger grassland fragments contained more grassland specialist plants, but not butterfly or bird specialists. Increasing amounts of arable land in the landscape from 20 to 90% was related to the loss of a third of species of plants, and less so, of butterflies, but not of birds. Per cent cover of arable land negatively correlated to richness of grassland specialist plants and butterflies, but positively to grassland specialist birds. We found no effect by successional stages and habitat connectivity. Our multi-taxa approach highlights the need for conservation management at the local scale, complemented by measures at the landscape scale.
Classification of users’ transportation modalities from mobiles in real operating conditions
Authors: Badii Claudio , Difino Angelo , Nesi Paolo , Paoli Irene , Paolucci Michela 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe modern mobile phones and the complete digitalization of the public and private transport networks have allowed to access useful information to understand the user’s mean of transportation. This enables a plethora of old and new applications in the fields of sustainable mobility, smart transportation, assistance, and e-health. The precise understanding of the travel means is at the basis of the development of a large range of applications. In this paper, a number of metrics has been identified to understand whether an individual on the move is stationary, walking, on a motorized private or public transport, with the aim of delivering to city users personalized assistance messages for: sustainable mobility, health, and/or for a better and enjoyable life, etc. Differently from the state-of-the-art solutions, the proposed approach has been designed to provide results, and thus collect metrics, in real operating conditions (imposed on the mobile phones as: a range of different mobile phone kinds, operating system constraints managing Applications, active battery consumption manager, etc.). The paper reports the whole experimentations and results. The solution has been developed in the context of Sii-Mobility Km4City Research Project infrastructure and tools, performed with the collaboration of public transport operators, and GDPR compliant. The same solution has been used in Snap4City mobile Apps with experiments performed in Antwerp and Helsinki.
Populist Anti-immigrant Sentiments Taken Seriously: A Realistic Approach
Authors: Santi Amantini Laura 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis essay argues that the illiberal anti-immigrant sentiments which lie behind the success of populist right-wing parties deserve the attention of political theorists working on the ethics of migration, even though such sentiments exceed the boundaries of admissible disagreement on justice in migration. Firstly, populist anti-immigrant sentiments hinder the implementation of liberal democratic immigration policies and thus they represent a feasibility constraint for any liberal ethics of migration, not only the most cosmopolitan ones. Secondly, there are legitimacy reasons why such views should be neither merely dismissed nor simply contained, since they are voiced by populist political parties which are admitted in the electoral competition and even participate in governments. The main upshot of this discussion is a methodological one: the article argues that, since political theory should deal with the feasibility and legitimacy issues raised by populist anti-immigrant sentiments, a realistic approach is needed. The last section shows that such a methodological change offers the opportunity to extend the scope of normative theorising. In particular, it illustrates how a realistic approach encourages theorists to focus on local-level policies, as well as to devote attention to non-governmental actors and to their role in tackling citizens’ hostility towards immigrants.
Heavy metals adsorption from contaminated water using moringa seeds/ olive pomace byproducts
Authors: Hegazy Ibrahim , Ali Mohamed E. A. , Zaghlool Ehab H. , Elsheikh Ragaa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSeveral approaches have been used to reduce the accumulation of heavy metals in aqueous solutions, including adsorption to the surface of agricultural waste. Batch studies have been performed in this study to explore the adsorption of Fe2+, Mn2+ on olive pomace (OP), and moringa seed husk (MSH). Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy also characterized the prepared adsorbent. Batch adsorption studies were performed, and the effects of adsorbent chemical structure, adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, and initial ion concentration were investigated on Fe and Mn ions sorption and mechanism in order to maximize the removal efficiency of Fe and Mn. It was shown that the removal percentage of Fe2+ and Mn2+ were 83% and 91%, respectively, at optimum pH 5 and optimum time of 120 min at 5 g of OP. Although the removal percentage of Fe2+ and Mn2+ were 80.5% and 93%, respectively, at 5 g of MSH. The pseudo-second-order model was followed by the adsorption kinetics of Fe2+ and Mn2+ on OP and MSH, and the Langmuir model worked well with the adsorption isotherms. Based on their adsorption/desorption processes, OP and MSH adsorbents may be regenerated by DI water more than five times. The overall adsorption power of the OP adsorbent for Fe2+ and Mn2+ was 10.406 and 10.460 mg/g, and the MSH was 10.28 and 11.641 mg/g for Fe2+ and Mn2+, respectively.
Metabolic syndrome in the era of COVID-19 outbreak: impact of lockdown on cardiometabolic health
Authors: Auriemma R. S. , Pirchio R. , Liccardi A. , Scairati R. , Del Vecchio G. , Pivonello R. , Colao A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
COVID-19 pandemics and cardiometabolic health are mutually interconnected. Chronic metabolic diseases are known risk factors for increased mortality after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In turn, COVID pandemics imposed sudden changes in lifestyle and social isolation with consequent potential cardiometabolic sequelae. The present study aimed at investigating the impact of changes in lifestyle and social life on metabolic profile in hyperprolactinemic or osteoporotic patients without pre-existing cardiometabolic diseases at the time of COVID-19.

Methods
The primary study outcome measurement was the prevalence of obesity, arterial hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome after COVID-19 outbreak. Seventy-four patients (21 men and 53 women, aged 51.8 ± 17.8 years) were admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Neuroendocrine Disease Unit at University “Federico II” of Naples, Italy, as per their routine clinical practice because of tumoral and non-tumoral hyperprolactinemia in 52 patients (70.3%), and osteoporosis/osteopenia in 22 (29.7%). Among female patients, 25 (47.2%) were at menopausal age.

Results
At the end of lockdown, prevalence of obesity (from 37.8% to 51.3%, p < 0.0001), dyslipidemia (from 28.4 to 48.6%, p = 0.003) and metabolic syndrome (from 14.9 to 27%, p < 0.0001) significantly increased compared to pre-COVID evaluation. No significant change was found in the prevalence of arterial hypertension and IGT/DM.

Conclusion
SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has led to a rapid increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, potentially contributing to the increased COVID-19 related mortality.
Serum Folic Acid and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuyang , Zhang Wei , Dai Yutian , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiansheng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The association between folic acid (FA) and erectile dysfunction (ED) was contradictory in the published original articles, and no meta-analysis was conducted to pool these data.

Aim
To verify the role of FA in the pathology of ED and explore the treatment efficacy of FA for ED patients.

Methods
An extensive search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to obtain all relevant studies published up to October 31, 2020. Studies comparing the serum FA level between ED patients and healthy controls, or comparing the score of the IIEF-5, or IIEF before and after folic acid therapy alone or combination in ED patient were eligible for our meta-analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scales (NOS) was used to qualify included studies.

Main Outcome Measures
The standardized mean differences (SMD) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to pool our data.

Results
Nine studies were eligible for our meta-analysis to verify the association between FA and ED, and to explore the treatment efficacy of FA for ED patients. The pooled SMD of the FA level difference between ED patients and healthy subjects was -0.94 (95% CI: -1.59, -0.30, P = .004). Moreover, the level of folic acid in healthy subjects, Mild ED patients, Moderate ED patients and Severe ED patients was 11.847 (95%CI = 9.671, 14.022), 9.496 (95%CI = 8.425, 10.567), 6.597 (95%CI = 5.187, 8.007) and 5.623 (95%CI = 3.535, 7.711) respectively. The SMD of changes in score of IIEF-5 was 1.89 with 95%CI (1.60, 2.17) after FA administration in ED patients. Our analysis also showed that combination therapy of FA plus tadalafil changed the score of IIEF with 0.90 (95%CI = 0.44, 1.36) comparing to combination of placebo plus tadalafil.

Conclusion
This novel meta-analysis demonstrated that FA was an independent risk factor for ED and FA supplement may have potentially positive effects in the treatment of ED patients.
Quinone reductase activity is widespread in lichens
Authors: Moyo Calvin Eddington , Minibayeva Farida , Liers Christiane , Beckett Richard Peter 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn our earlier work, we demonstrated that the oxidases tyrosinase (TYR), laccase (LAC), and a heme peroxidase (POX) occur widely in lichens. Here we report on the occurrence of another oxidoreductase enzyme, quinone reductase (QR) (EC 1.6.5.5). While QR has been reported to occur widely in other organisms, there is currently no information on QR activities in lichens. Here we present a survey of QR activity in 14 species of lichens. Results demonstrate that QR activity is readily detectable in all lichen species tested. However, activities vary greatly, with ‘jelly’ lichens in the genera Collema and Leptogium having the highest activities. QR, LAC and POX are all believed to have a role in extracellular hydroxyl radical production. However, in this study no correlation was found between the activities of these enzymes and the rates at which hydroxyl radicals were produced. Possible roles for QR in lichen biology are discussed.
Suppressing meta-holographic artifacts by laser coherence tuning
Authors: Eliezer Yaniv , Qu Geyang , Yang Wenhong , Wang Yujie , Yılmaz Hasan , Xiao Shumin , Song Qinghai , Cao Hui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA metasurface hologram combines fine spatial resolution and large viewing angles with a planar form factor and compact size. However, it suffers coherent artifacts originating from electromagnetic cross-talk between closely packed meta-atoms and fabrication defects of nanoscale features. Here, we introduce an efficient method to suppress all artifacts by fine-tuning the spatial coherence of illumination. Our method is implemented with a degenerate cavity laser, which allows a precise and continuous tuning of the spatial coherence over a wide range, with little variation in the emission spectrum and total power. We find the optimal degree of spatial coherence to suppress the coherent artifacts of a meta-hologram while maintaining the image sharpness. This work paves the way to compact and dynamical holographic displays free of coherent defects.
Exosomal S100A4 derived from highly metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cells promotes metastasis by activating STAT3
Authors: Sun Haoting , Wang Chaoqun , Hu Beiyuan , Gao Xiaomei , Zou Tiantian , Luo Qin , Chen Mo , Fu Yan , Sheng Yuanyuan , Zhang Kaili , Zheng Yan , Ren Xudong , Yan Shican , Geng Yan , Yang Luyu , Dong Qiongzhu , Qin Lunxiu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntercellular cross-talk plays important roles in cancer progression and metastasis. Yet how these cancer cells interact with each other is still largely unknown. Exosomes released by tumor cells have been proved to be effective cell-to-cell signal mediators. We explored the functional roles of exosomes in metastasis and the potential prognostic values for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exosomes were extracted from HCC cells of different metastatic potentials. The metastatic effects of exosomes derived from highly metastatic HCC cells (HMH) were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Exosomal proteins were identified with iTRAQ mass spectrum and verified in cell lines, xenograft tumor samples, and functional analyses. Exosomes released by HMH significantly enhanced the in vitro invasion and in vivo metastasis of low metastatic HCC cells (LMH). S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) was identified as a functional factor in exosomes derived from HMH. S100A4rich exosomes significantly promoted tumor metastasis both in vitro and in vivo compared with S100A4low exosomes or controls. Moreover, exosomal S100A4 could induce expression of osteopontin (OPN), along with other tumor metastasis/stemness-related genes. Exosomal S100A4 activated OPN transcription via STAT3 phosphorylation. HCC patients with high exosomal S100A4 in plasma also had a poorer prognosis. In conclusion, exosomes from HMH could promote the metastatic potential of LMH, and exosomal S100A4 is a key enhancer for HCC metastasis, activating STAT3 phosphorylation and up-regulating OPN expression. This suggested exosomal S100A4 to be a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC metastasis.
Findings from recent studies by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency examining musculoskeletal atrophy in space and on Earth
Authors: Furukawa Satoshi , Chatani Masahiro , Higashitani Atsushi , Higashibata Akira , Kawano Fuminori , Nikawa Takeshi , Numaga-Tomita Takuro , Ogura Toshihiko , Sato Fuminori , Sehara-Fujisawa Atsuko , Shinohara Masahiro , Shimazu Toru , Takahashi Satoru , Watanabe-Takano Haruko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe musculoskeletal system provides the body with correct posture, support, stability, and mobility. It is composed of the bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissues. Without effective countermeasures, prolonged spaceflight under microgravity results in marked muscle and bone atrophy. The molecular and physiological mechanisms of this atrophy under unloaded conditions are gradually being revealed through spaceflight experiments conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency using a variety of model organisms, including both aquatic and terrestrial animals, and terrestrial experiments conducted under the Living in Space project of the Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. Increasing our knowledge in this field will lead not only to an understanding of how to prevent muscle and bone atrophy in humans undergoing long-term space voyages but also to an understanding of countermeasures against age-related locomotive syndrome in the elderly.
A 120,000-year long climate record from a NW-Greenland deep ice core at ultra-high resolution
Authors: Gkinis Vasileios , Vinther Bo M. , Popp Trevor J. , Quistgaard Thea , Faber Anne-Katrine , Holme Christian T. , Jensen Camilla-Marie , Lanzky Mika , Lütt Anine-Maria , Mandrakis Vasileios , Ørum Niels-Ole , Pedersen Anna-Sofie , Vaxevani Nikol , Weng Yongbiao , Capron Emilie , Dahl-Jensen Dorthe , Hörhold Maria , Jones Tyler R. , Jouzel Jean , Landais Amaëlle , Masson-Delmotte Valérie , Oerter Hans , Rasmussen Sune O. , Steen-Larsen Hans Christian , Steffensen Jørgen-Peder , Sveinbjörnsdóttir Árný-Erla , Svensson Anders , Vaughn Bruce , White James W. C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe report high resolution measurements of the stable isotope ratios of ancient ice (δ18O, δD) from the North Greenland Eemian deep ice core (NEEM, 77.45° N, 51.06° E). The record covers the period 8–130 ky b2k (y before 2000) with a temporal resolution of ≈0.5 and 7 y at the top and the bottom of the core respectively and contains important climate events such as the 8.2 ky event, the last glacial termination and a series of glacial stadials and interstadials. At its bottom part the record contains ice from the Eemian interglacial. Isotope ratios are calibrated on the SMOW/SLAP scale and reported on the GICC05 (Greenland Ice Core Chronology 2005) and AICC2012 (Antarctic Ice Core Chronology 2012) time scales interpolated accordingly. We also provide estimates for measurement precision and accuracy for both δ18O and δD.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has beneficial effects on liver lipid accumulation and hepatic inflammatory parameters in obese rats
Authors: Longo Larisse , de Souza Valessa Emanoele Gabriel , Stein Dirson João , de Freitas Joice Soares , Uribe-Cruz Carolina , Torres Iraci L. S. , Álvares-da-Silva Mário Reis 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObesity is key to liver steatosis development and progression. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising tool for eating disorders management but was not yet evaluated in steatosis. This study investigated tDCS’ effects on liver steatosis and inflammation in an experimental obesity model. Male Wistar rats (60 days-old) were randomly allocated (n = 10/group) as follows: standard-diet/sham tDCS (SDS), standard-diet/tDCS (SDT), hypercaloric-cafeteria-diet/sham tDCS (HDS), and hypercaloric-cafeteria-diet/tDCS (HDT). After 40 days of diet, animals received active or sham tDCS for eight days and were euthanized for liver fat deposition and inflammation analysis. HDS and HDT animals showed cumulative food consumption, total liver lipid deposits, IL-1β, TNF-α levels, IL-1β/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios significantly higher than the SDS and SDT groups (p < 0.001 for all parameters). tDCS (SDT and HDT) reduced liver lipid deposits (0.7 times for both, p < 0.05), IL-1β (0.7 times and 0.9 times, respectively, p < 0.05) and IL-1β/IL-10 index (0.6 times and 0.8 times, respectively, p < 0.05) in relation to sham (SDS and HDS). There was an interaction effect on the accumulation of hepatic triglycerides (p < 0.05). tDCS reduced 0.8 times the average liver triglyceride concentration in the HDT vs. HDS group (p < 0.05). In this obesity model, tDCS significantly decreased liver steatosis and hepatic inflammation. These results may justify looking into tDCS utility for human steatosis.
Gait disturbances and muscle dysfunction in fibroblast growth factor 2 knockout mice
Authors: Homer-Bouthiette C. , Xiao L. , Hurley Marja M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is important in musculoskeletal homeostasis, therefore the impact of reduction or Fgf2 knockout on skeletal muscle function and phenotype was determined. Gait analysis as well as muscle strength testing in young and old WT and Fgf2KO demonstrated age-related gait disturbances and reduction in muscle strength that were exacerbated in the KO condition. Fgf2 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in skeletal muscle of old WT compared with young WT. Muscle fiber cross-sectional area was significantly reduced with increased fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrates in old WT and Fgf2KO vs. young WT. Inflammatory cells were further significantly increased in old Fgf2KO compared with old WT. Lipid-related genes and intramuscular fat was increased in old WT and old Fgf2KO with a further increase in fibro-adipocytes in old Fgf2KO compared with old WT. Impaired FGF signaling including Increased β-Klotho, Fgf21 mRNA, FGF21 protein, phosphorylated FGF receptors 1 and 3, was observed in old WT and old Fgf2KO. MAPK/ ERK1/2 was significantly increased in young and old Fgf2KO. We conclude that Fgf2KO, age-related decreased FGF2 in WT mice, and increased FGF21 in the setting of impaired Fgf2 expression likely contribute to impaired skeletal muscle function and sarcopenia in mice.