bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A beneficial relationship: associated trees facilitate termite colonies (Macrotermes michaelseni) in Namibia
Authors: Wildermuth B. , Oldeland J. , Juergens N. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn many tropical ecosystems, termites are important ecosystem engineers. Mound‐building termite species often contribute to topographical landscape heterogeneity, and the associated accumulation of soil moisture and nutrients affects the spatial distribution of plant communities. Plants that grow next to the termite mound are known to benefit from the provided nutrients and water storage. The other way around, protection against erosion and cooling effects on the microclimate of the mounds imposed by associated trees have been described. However, little is known regarding the influence of tree parameters and the long‐term effects on colony development. In an interval of 12 yr, we studied allMacrotermes michaelsenimounds occurring within one square kilometer of Namibian thornbush savanna in terms of morphology, life history, and associated plants, with a focus on the role of associated trees which grow directly adjacent to the termite mounds. Here, we present the results of a combined analysis of the character states recorded at the termite mound and the associated trees. More than 50% of all 345 recorded termite mounds were associated with a tree. Mounds with associated trees showed increased activity, growth, and height. Mound growth within the study period was correlated positively with the canopy coverage by the associated tree, while total mound heights were correlated non‐linear with medium canopy coverage of about 40%. Mounds with a tree covering the sun's average zenith (north) were taller, grew most within 12 yr, and were more likely to be active than those with no northern canopy coverage. Mounds associated with the evergreenBoscia albitruncaattained highest average height (195.06 ± 11.76 cm). We conclude that vital parameters like growth, size, and activity of the termite colonies are facilitated by shading associated trees. These benefits were shown to take significant effect within the span of 12 yr. This indicates a proper long‐term mutualism, not a loose alliance and not an obligative eu‐symbiosis. Therefore, we propose to use the term “partner tree” for trees associated withM. michaelsenimounds.
Marginal support for a trophic cascade among sympatric canids in peripheral wolf range
Authors: Fowler Nicholas L. , Kautz Todd M. , Petroelje Tyler R. , Wilton Clay M. , Kellner Kenneth F. , O’Brien Daniel J. , Parsons Bill , Beyer Dean E. , Belant Jerrold L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTrophic cascades reportedly structure ecological communities through indirect species interactions. Though the predator–herbivore–autotroph relationship has received much attention, mechanistic evidence supporting intraguild trophic cascades is rare. We established 348 remote camera sites (1 August–5 September 2019) across seven study areas of varying wolf (Canis lupus) density including one study area where wolves were absent in northern Michigan, USA. Using multi‐species occupancy modeling at species‐relevant spatial scales, we evaluated the hypothesis that increased wolf occurrence suppresses coyote (C. latrans) occurrence with corresponding increased red fox (Vulpes vulpes) occurrence mediated by land cover edge density, human presence, and temporal partitioning. Remote cameras recorded >600,000 images and included 6,370, 10,137, and 4,876 detections of wolves, coyotes, and foxes, respectively. Fox occupancy probability was more than three times as high (0.29) at camera sites where wolves were present, relative to sites wolves were absent (0.09). Pairwise species interactions supported expected size‐based dominance patterns among canids and insignificant effects were directionally consistent with reported reduced strength of top‐down effects in peripheral wolf range. Increased edge density also increased co‐occurrence of coyote and wolves, likely a function of increased prey availability and refugia for coyotes. Though foxes occurred in spatial proximity to wolves, competition was limited by greater temporal partitioning than observed between coyotes and foxes that were spatially segregated. Collectively, our results provide marginal support for the reported trophic cascade among wolves, coyotes, and foxes wherein top‐down effects may be reduced near the edge of current wolf distributions. As predators continue to recolonize portions of their historic range, knowledge of the effects on intraguild predators has implications for species management and predicting prey population responses.
Glioblastoma cells express crucial enzymes involved in androgen synthesis: 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17‐20α‐hydroxylase, 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5α‐reductase
Authors: Mondragón Jose Antonio , Serrano Yesenia , Torres Andrea , Orozco Martin , Segovia Jose , Manjarrez Gabriel , Romano Marta Catalina 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGlioblastoma (GB) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour in adult humans. Therapeutic resistance and tumour recurrence after surgical removal contribute to poor prognosis for glioblastoma patients. Men are known to be more likely than women to develop an aggressive form of GB, and differences in sex steroids have emerged as a leading explanation for this finding. Studies indicate that the metabolism and proliferation of GB‐derived cells are increased by sex steroids, the expression of androgen receptors (ARs) and the synthesis of androgens and oestrogens, suggesting that these hormones have a role in the tumour pathogenesis. The expression of aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens to oestrogens, has been reported in glial cells and GB cell lines. Thus, it was necessary to test whether the steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen synthesis are expressed in GB cells. Therefore, here, we investigated the expression of four key enzymes involved in androgen synthesis in human‐derived GB cells. U87 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium plus foetal bovine serum and antibiotics on slides for immunocytochemistry or immunofluorescence. U87, LN229 and C6 cells were also cultured in multi‐well chambers to obtain proteins for Western blotting. We used primary antibodies against 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), 17α‐hydroxilase/17,20‐lyase (P450c17), 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) and 5α‐reductase. Immunocytochemistry, and immunofluorescence results revealed that glioblastoma cells express 3β‐HSD, P450c17, 17β‐HSD and 5α‐reductase proteins in their cytoplasm. Moreover, Western blot analyses revealed bands corresponding to the molecular weight of these four enzymes in the three GB cell lines. Thus, glioblastoma cells have the key enzymatic machinery necessary to synthesize androgens, and these enzymes might be useful targets for new therapeutic approaches.
Experimental verification of electromagnetic multiple tuned mass dampers for energy harvesting and structural control
Authors: Lin Ging‐Long , Lin Chi‐Chang , Chen Yu‐Jing , Hung Ta‐Chih 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes electromagnetic (EM) multiple tuned mass dampers (MTMDs), hereafter referred to as EM‐MTMD system, for decreasing the vibration responses of high‐rise buildings under earthquake excitations. The EM damper substitutes the traditional fluid damper, enabling the proposed system to convert each TMD unit's vibration energy into electrical energy that can be harvested. Moreover, the system applies a rotary EM damper to ensure the energy dissipation device achieves a long stroke. Each TMD's damping coefficient can be easily adjusted without changing the EM damper configuration. We established a mathematical model of the EM‐MTMD system and derived its theoretical formula. Subsequently, we developed an optimal design method that considers inertance of EM damper for the EM‐MTMD system. For verifying the vibration control performance of the EM‐MTMD system, a model structure with long vibration period (3.53 s) and weight of 6 tons was manufactured to simulate the fundamental modal vibration of a 38‐story building. A prototype three‐unit EM‐MTMD system with a total mass ratio of 2% of the model structure was then designed and implemented to verify the system's dual functions of energy harvesting and vibration control. In shaking table tests, the EM‐MTMD system components were tested first; the model structure was then combined with the EM‐MTMD system and tested extensively to demonstrate the system's effectiveness in controlling the building structure's vibration and generating electrical energy under earthquake excitations. The test results indicated that the EM‐MTMD system can simultaneously decrease building responses effectively under real earthquake excitations and generate power.
Climate‐change driven increased flood magnitudes and frequency in the British uplands: Geomorphologically informed scientific underpinning for upland flood‐risk management
Authors: Milan David J. , Schwendel Arved C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUpland river systems in the UK are predicted to be prone to the effects of increased flood magnitudes and frequency, driven by climate change. It is clear from recent events that some headwater catchments can be very sensitive to large floods, activating the full sediment system, with implications for flood risk management further down the catchment. We provide a 15‐year record of detailed morphological change on a 500‐m reach of upland gravel‐bed river, focusing upon the geomorphic response to an extreme event in 2007, and the recovery in the decade following. Through novel application of two‐dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic modelling we evaluate the different energy states of pre‐ and post‐flood morphologies of the river reach, exploring how energy state adjusts with recovery following the event. Following the 2007 flood, morphological adjustments resulted in changes to the shear stress population over the reach, resulting in higher shear stresses. Although the proportion of shear stresses in excess of those experienced using the pre‐flood digital elevation model (DEM) varied over the recovery period, they remained substantially in excess of those experienced pre‐2007, suggesting that there is still potential for enhanced bedload transport and morphological adjustment within the reach. Although volumetric change calculated from DEM differencing does indicate a reduction in erosion and deposition volumes in the decade following the flood, we argue that the system still has not fully recovered to the pre‐flood state. We further argue that Thinhope Burn, and other similarly impacted catchments in upland environments, may not recover under the wet climatic phase currently being experienced. Hence systems like Thinhope Burn will continue to deliver large volumes of sediment further down river catchments, providing new challenges for flood risk management into the future.
Karyotype evolution in conifers
Authors: Ohri Deepak 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe present study describes the published karyotypes of 338 conifer taxa comprising of 302 species belonging to 59 genera of conifers. The somatic chromosome numbers range from 2n=18 inPhyllocladus(Podocarpaceae) to 2n=66 inSequoia sempervirens(Cupressaceae). Polyploidy is rare as out of 512 conifer taxa known cytologically 2.80 per cent are polyploid and 2.20 per cent have both diploid and polyploid cytotypes. Various families show uniform somatic numbers such as Pinaceae (2n=24), Araucariaceae (2n=26), Cupressaceae (2n=22) except for some cases of polyploid taxa, and Podocarpaceae (2n=18‐38) caused by centric fissions. In Pinaceae the genusPinushas the most symmetrical karyotype andLarixhas the maximum bimodality. The karyotype diversity in rest of the families has been discussed in the phylogenetic framework. This apparent uniformity of karyotypes is not reflected in diversity of fluorescent bands and rDNA loci. These additional markers have taxonomic relevance and also facilitate chromosome identification in a number of cases. This karyotype conservation is reflected in very weak interspecific crossing barriers with the hybrids showing normal meiosis, and also in the conservation of gene content and order.
Purification and antioxidant properties of triterpenic acids from blackened jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) by macroporous resins
Authors: Fu Yaling , Zhang Yanlei , Zhang Rentang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn order to investigate the purification process and antioxidant activity of triterpenic acids from blackened jujube, the macroporous resin was applied to purify the crude extract from blackened jujube. The adsorption and desorption characterizations of five different macroporous adsorption resins (AB‐8, D‐101, X‐5, HPD‐100, S‐8) for triterpenic acids of blackened jujube were compared, the optimum purification resins were screened, and the purification parameters were optimized. The antioxidant activity of crude extracts and purified products from blackened jujube was analyzed. The results showed that D‐101 resin possessed the best effect on the purification of blackened jujube triterpenic acids. The optimum purification parameters were as follows: sample concentration 25.5 μg/ml, 130 ml of the sample volume was with a flow rate of 2.0 ml/min, eluted with 95% ethanol, and speed flow was 1.0 ml/min. The purity of triterpenic acids was increased by 2.49 times after purification with a recovery rate of (78.58 ± 0.67)%. Furthermore, the IC50 values of hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity from triterpenic acids crude extract and purified substances were 0.900 and 0.850 mg/ml, respectively, and the IC50 values of superoxide anion radical were 0.745 and 0.594 mg/ml, respectively, indicating that the antioxidative capacity of the purified product was stronger than the crude extract. The purified triterpenic acids (PTA) groups at different doses had excellent protective effects on H2O2‐induced damage HUVEC cells. Results have revealed that triterpenic acids of blackened jujube have good antioxidant function and utilization and development prospects.
MicroRNA‐192‐5p inhibits migration of triple negative breast cancer cells and directly regulates RhoGTPaseactivating protein 19
Authors: Vajen Beate , Greiwe Luisa , Schäffer Vera , Eilers Marlies , Huge Nicole , Stalke Amelie , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Illig Thomas , Skawran Britta 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAmong the different breast cancer subtypes, triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a poor prognosis, low survival rates, and high expression of histone deacetylases. Treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) leads to an increased expression of potential tumor‐suppressive miRNAs. Characterization of these miRNAs can help to find new molecular targets for treatment of TNBC. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs by microarray analyses after treatment with TSA in the TNBC cell lines HCC38, HCC1395, and HCC1935. The gene locus of hsa‐miRNA‐192‐5p (miR‐192) and hsa‐miR‐194‐2 (miR‐194‐2) with its host gene, long noncoding RNA miR‐194‐2HG, has been linked to inhibition of migration in different tumor types. Therefore, we examined tumor‐relevant functional effects using WST‐1‐based proliferation, capsase‐3/7‐based apoptosis, and trans‐well migration assays after transfection with miRNA mimics or specific siRNAs. We demonstrated the tumor‐suppressive capacity of miR‐192 in TNBC cells, which was exerted through inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and reduction of migration. Gene expression and bioinformatics analyses of TNBC cell lines transfected with miR‐192 mimics, identified a number of genes involved in migration including the Rho GTPase Activating Protein ARHGAP19. Through RNA immunoprecipitation we demonstrated the direct binding of miR‐192 andARHGAP19. Downregulation ofARHGAP19expression by either miR‐192 or siRNA inhibited migration of TNBC cells significantly. Our findings demonstrate that overexpression of epigenetically deregulated miR‐192 decreases proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and inhibits migration of TNBC cell lines.
Human–environment interactions at Yangguanzhai, a Middle Neolithic site in the Wei River Valley, northern China: A comprehensive soil‐stratigraphic analysis
Authors: Kielhofer Jennifer R. , Fox Mathew L. , Ye Wa , Yang Liping 
Published: July 2021

AbstractYangguanzhai, a Middle Neolithic archaeological site (c. 5500–5000 cal year BP) in the Wei River Valley of China, contains a well‐preserved record of environmental fluctuation, landscape evolution, and human–environment interaction over the Holocene. We examined eight stratigraphic profiles across the site and identified an alternating sequence of sediment and buried soils, indicative of multiple changes in landscape stability. Through this study, we provide a more detailed soil‐stratigraphic framework for the site. Buried soils are well developed, with a subangular blocky structure, high organic matter content, and pedogenic carbonate. There are clear associations between buried soils and the two main archaeological occupations (the Middle Neolithic and a later historic period occupation, c. 600–300 cal year BP). Lower soil horizons contain abundant Middle Neolithic ceramics and archaeological features, and the upper soil horizon contains historic period artifacts and features. Sediment between these soils lacks any artifacts or evidence of occupation, suggesting that Yangguanzhai was abandoned as a residential area for over 3000 years. Heightened sediment deposition and landscape instability contributed to Late Holocene shifts in human land use and settlement patterns at the site. Our work is consistent with previous stratigraphic investigations at the site, while refining descriptions of buried soil horizons.
Network properties and regional brain morphology of the insular cortex correlate with individual pain thresholds
Authors: Neumann Lynn , Wulms Niklas , Witte Vanessa , Spisak Tamas , Zunhammer Matthias , Bingel Ulrike , Schmidt‐Wilcke Tobias 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPain thresholds vary considerably across individuals and are influenced by a number of behavioral, genetic and neurobiological factors. However, the neurobiological underpinnings that account for individual differences remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we used voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and graph theory, specifically the local clustering coefficient (CC) based on resting‐state connectivity, to identify brain regions, where regional gray matter volume and network properties predicted individual pain thresholds. As a main finding, we identified a cluster in the left posterior insular cortex (IC) reaching into the left parietal operculum, including the secondary somatosensory cortex, where both regional gray matter volume and the local CC correlated with individual pain thresholds. We also performed a resting‐state functional connectivity analysis using the left posterior IC as seed region, demonstrating that connectivity to the pre‐ as well as postcentral gyrus bilaterally; that is, to the motor and primary sensory cortices were correlated with individual pain thresholds. To our knowledge, this is the first study that applied VBM in combination with voxel‐based graph theory in the context of pain thresholds. The co‐location of the VBM and the local CC cluster provide first evidence that both structure and function map to the same brain region while being correlated with the same behavioral measure; that is, pain thresholds. The study highlights the importance of the posterior IC, not only for pain perception in general, but also for the determination of individual pain thresholds.
Structural and functional brain alterations in anorexia nervosa:A multimodal meta‐analysis of neuroimaging studies
Authors: Su Ting , Gong Jiaying , Tang Guixian , Qiu Shaojuan , Chen Pan , Chen Guanmao , Wang Junjing , Huang Li , Wang Ying 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder with poorly understood etiology. Numerous voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and resting‐state functional imaging studies have provided strong evidence of abnormal brain structure and intrinsic and functional activities in AN, but with inconsistent conclusions. Herein, a whole‐brain meta‐analysis was conducted on VBM (660 patients with AN, and 740 controls) and resting‐state functional imaging (425 patients with AN, and 461 controls) studies that measured differences in the gray matter volume (GMV) and intrinsic functional activity between patients with AN and healthy controls (HCs). Overall, patients with AN displayed decreased GMV in the bilateral median cingulate cortex (extending to the bilateral anterior and posterior cingulate cortex), and left middle occipital gyrus (extending to the left inferior parietal lobe). In resting‐state functional imaging studies, patients with AN displayed decreased resting‐state functional activity in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex and bilateral median cingulate cortex, and increased resting‐state functional activity in the right parahippocampal gyrus. This multimodal meta‐analysis identified reductions of gray matter and functional activity in the anterior and median cingulate in patients with AN, which contributes to further understanding of the pathophysiology of AN.
Antithymocyte globulin is associated with a lower incidence of de novo donor‐specific antibody detection in lung transplant recipients: A single‐center experience
Authors: Narula Tathagat , Khouzam Samir , Alvarez Francisco , Erasmus David , Li Zhuo , Abdelmoneim Yousif , Elrefaei Mohamed 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeInduction immunosuppression has improved the long‐term outcomes after lung transplant. This is the first report exploring the association of induction immunosuppression with the development of de novo donor‐specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA) in lung transplant recipients (LTR).MethodsSixty‐seven consecutive primary LTR were followed for 3 years posttransplant. A total of 41/67 (61%) LTR‐received induction immunosuppression using a single dose of rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin (rATG; 1.5 mg/kg) within 24 h of transplant. All recipients had a negative flow cytometry crossmatch on the day of transplant. Serum samples at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplant were assessed for the presence of de novo HLA DSA.ResultsDe novo HLA DSA were detected in 22/67 (32.8%) LTR within 1‐year posttransplant. Of these, 9/41 (21.9%) occurred in the induction therapy group and 13/26 (50%) in the noninduction group. Class II DSA were detected in 3/41 (7.3%) LTR who received induction compared to 9/26 (34.6%) LTR without induction immunosuppression (p = .005). Differences in overall survival or freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction rates between the two groups were not statistically significant.ConclusionInduction immunosuppression utilizing a modified regimen of single‐dose rATG is associated with a significant reduction in de novo DSA production in LTR.