bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of pH‐indicator films based on soy protein isolate/bromothymol blue and methyl red for monitoring fresh‐cut apple freshness
Authors: Ran Ruimin , Wang Luyao , Su Yuhang , He Shujian , He Binbin , Li Cheng , Wang Caixia , Liu Yuntao , Chen Saiyan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntelligent pH‐indicator films based on soy protein isolate (SPI) were prepared using pH‐sensitive dyes (bromothymol blue and methyl red). The addition of mixed indicators imparts pH‐indicator films with an appreciable microstructure, acceptable water resistance, and favorable optical properties. The incorporation of the mixed indicators did not lead to significant improvement in the mechanical properties of films due to weak ionic cross‐linking by hydrogen bonding between the SPI macromolecules and low‐molecular‐weight indicators. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy indicated hydrogen bond‐mediated intermolecular interactions, and scanning electron microscopy showed that BB/MR were well dispersed in the SPI film. The indicator addition hindered the sorption and passage of water molecules. The water vapor permeability, moisture sorption, moisture content, and total soluble matter were 4.32 to 6.12 ×10–12 g·cm/cm2·s·Pa, 36.70% to 73.33%, 25.28% to 44.11%, and 8.21% to 25.56%, respectively. Also, the addition of indicators reduced UV light transmittance with minimal effect on the transparency of the film. The presence of indicators enhanced the pH sensitivity, seen as a visible color reaction at different pHs (total color difference, ΔE > 5). When the pH‐indicator film containing 8 ml/100 ml final film emulsions was used to monitor the fresh‐cut apple freshness, a green color for fresh status was observed, which turned blue after 60 h. Collectively, our findings suggested that indicator‐containing SPI films have the potential for monitoring the freshness of fruits.Practical ApplicationpH‐indicator films can help consumers to identify the freshness of packaged food by a change in the color of the packaging material, which is easily visible to the unaided eye without the need for opening the packaging. This protects consumers' interests.
Stock market liberalisation and corporate cash holdings: evidence from China
Authors: Huang Jianqiao , Chen Yunsen , Dai Xin , Ni Xiaoran 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUsing China’s staggered Mainland–Hong Kong Stock Connect programs (hereafter, Connect programs) as quasi‐natural experiments, we examine the impact of stock market liberalisation on corporate cash holdings. We find that the average cash holdings of the affected Chinese A‐share listed firms decreased significantly after the launch of the Connect programs. Further tests show that the relaxed financial constraints and the improved information environment are two plausible channels that allow stock market liberalisation to reduce corporate cash holdings. Overall, we offer original evidence showing how stock market liberalisation in emerging economies affects firms’ liquidity management decisions.
Capture‐induced vulnerability in male Shortnose guitarfish during their reproductive period
Authors: Prado Aline Cristina , Wosnick Natascha , Adams Kye , Leite Renata Daldin , Freire Carolina Arruda 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe assessment of physiological responses to capture provides useful information for elasmobranch conservation. In particular, understanding these impacts in species caught as bycatch that are released after capture can predict their “post‐release” fate and aid in management plans. Although well studied in several species, capture‐stress is nonetheless frequently assessed without considering putative variability between sexes. Given the high mortality of pregnant Zapteryx brevirostris females reported in the literature, the present study aimed at determining greatest vulnerability period for males. Our results demonstrate that, when caught during the reproductive period, males display higher mortality (68%) than when caught outside the reproductive period (zero mortality). Seven out of 11 markers (i.e. sodium, chloride, potassium, lactate, phosphorus, triglycerides and condition factor) differed significantly following capture‐induced stress between males caught during the reproductive period and those caught outside this period. Results demonstrate the need for specific protocols during the reproductive period, also considering the influence of sex on physiological responses to stress for effective management.
Survival and growth of cactus species after a wildfire in central Argentina: Differences among species and the effects of microenvironment characteristics
Authors: Zupichiatti Veronica , Zeballos Sebastian R. , Whitworth‐Hulse Juan I. , Gurvich Diego E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThere are about 2200 cactus species, and most of them occur in fire‐prone ecosystems. Nevertheless, there is scarce information about fire effects on the ecology of cactus species. In this study, we assessed the effects of a wildfire on the survival and growth of coexisting globose cactus species and their relation with microenvironment conditions in rocky outcrops from the Córdoba Mountains, central Argentina. A fire event occurred in spring 2011, and measurements were recorded in the first subsequent growing season, in winter. We selected 26 rocky outcrops and established three 3 × 1 m plots per outcrop. In each plot, we quantified all cactus individuals of the four species present in the area: Echinopsis aurea, Gymnocalycium bruchii, G. mostii and Parodia submammulosa. We also recorded if each individual cactus was dead or alive, and measured its size and post‐fire growth. In addition, we measured the relative cover of rocks and bare soil, and the size of the rocks within a radius of 30 cm of each individual. Individual cactus survival (70–80%) did not vary among species. The highest post‐fire growth was recorded in G. bruchii. For E. aurea, P. submammulosa and G. mostii, post‐fire growth was negatively related to pre‐fire size, suggesting that smaller individuals recovered faster than larger ones. Microenvironment characteristics did not affect post‐fire growth in any of the species. Our results provide a preliminary insight into possible fire tolerance of globose cacti in the Córdoba Mountains, supported by their relatively high survival and growth after a fire event.
Prior iodine exposure and impact on thyroid function during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: A prospective study
Authors: Bradbury Rachel A. , Christie‐David Darshika , Smith Howard C. , Byth Karen , Eastman Creswell J. 
Published: August 2021

AimsIodine supplements are recommended for women planning pregnancy, but their impact on thyroid function during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and into pregnancy is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of iodine supplementation on thyroid function during COH.MethodsOne‐hundred and six euthyroid women (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) 0.4–2.5 mIU/L) planning their first COH cycle were subdivided according to iodine supplementation (nil, <6 months, ≥6 months) and compared to levothyroxine (LT4)‐treated controls. Serial TSH, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels were recorded at four time points: (i) baseline, (ii) day 7 ovarian stimulation, (iii) ovulation trigger and (iv) two weeks post oocyte retrieval. Oocyte numbers, fertilisation rates and pregnancy outcome were recorded.ResultsTSH increased during COH for those women taking iodine supplements for ≥6 months (P = 0.025). One quarter recorded a TSH level >2.5 mIU/L before embryo transfer. A similar increase in TSH was demonstrated by LT4‐dependent controls (P = 0.024) but not the remaining subgroups. Tg levels did not change during COH in any group but decreased significantly post oocyte retrieval if nil iodine (P < 0.0001) or supplemented for ≥6 months (P < 0.005). Iodine supplementation did not influence oocyte count, fertilisation or implantation rates. Women taking iodine for <6 months were four times more likely to achieve a live birth than women taking iodine for longer.ConclusionsWomen taking iodine supplements for ≥6 months are less able to adapt to the thyroidal demands of COH, with responses comparable to LT4‐dependent patients.
Subxiphoid single‐port thymectomy: six‐year experience of a single center
Authors: Kang Do Kyun , Kang Min Kyun , Heo Woon , Hwang Youn‐Ho 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe subxiphoid single‐port approach for thymectomy has several advantages compared with conventional lateral transthoracic approaches. However, perioperative outcomes of subxiphoid single‐port thymectomy are still lacking. The objective of this study is to present our 6‐year experience of subxiphoid single‐port thymectomy, including our learning curve.MethodsAll consecutive 49 patients undergoing subxiphoid single‐port thymectomy between August 2014 and September 2020 were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsWe analyzed data of 49 patients (27 males and 22 females) with a median age of 58 years (range 49–68). Two patients presented postoperative complications. The conversion to a different approach was required in four cases. The median follow‐up time was 17 months (range 3–35) and locoregional recurrence was observed in one patient. There were no intraoperative deaths and postoperative mortality. The operation time cumulative summation learning curve analysis revealed that the curves descended from the 24th case.ConclusionsThe subxiphoid single‐port approach for thymectomy is a safe and feasible modality with few complications.
SRT1720 enhances maturity and quality of oocytes in aged mice
Authors: Liu Mei‐Ju , Chen Hong , Li Wen , Chen Xin‐Xia , Wang Chuan‐Hong , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Heng Xue‐Yuan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the morphology and distribution of mitochondria, spindles, and chromosomes in oocytes of aged mice and examine the effects of SRT1720 on oocyte maturation. C57BL/6J mice were divided into young (4–8 weeks) and aged groups (48–52 weeks). In vitro maturation media contained (0.05, 0.1, and 1.0 μM) SRT1720 and 0.1‐μM dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO control). The rate of chromosome misalignment and spindle misorientation in oocytes of aged mice were significantly higher than that of young mice (P < 0.01). Fluorescence intensity of mitochondria from oocytes of aged mice was significantly lower than that of young mice (P < 0.01). SRT1720 at 0.1 μM significantly improved oocyte maturation, fertilization, and blastocyst formation in aged mice compared with young mice (P < 0.01). Additionally, immunofluorescence intensity of mitochondria, normal spindle morphology, and chromosome alignment were notably enhanced with SRT1720 when compared with the DSMO control group for metaphase II (MII)‐stage oocytes matured in vitro (P < 0.01); 0.1‐μM SRT1720 enhanced the expression level of SRIT1 in oocytes from aged mice. In summary, the aged mice oocytes showed increased nuclear and cytoplasmic defects, whereas SRT1720 enhanced oocyte maturation and quality. We concluded that 0.1‐μM SRT1720 was an appropriate concentration for in vitro maturation media.
Flow cytometric analysis of cerebrospinal fluid improves detection of leukaemic blasts in infants with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Thastrup Maria , Marquart Hanne Vibeke , Levinsen Mette , Modvig Signe , Abrahamsson Jonas , Albertsen Birgitte Klug , Frost Britt‐Marie , Harila‐Saari Arja , Pesola Jouni , Ulvmoen Aina , Wojcik Dorota Malgorzata , Taskinen Mervi , Hoffmann Marianne , Lausen Birgitte , Schmiegelow Kjeld ,   the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology (NOPHO)
Published: August 2021

SummaryInfants with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) have a high frequency of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Flow cytometric analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was recently demonstrated to be a sensitive method for detecting CNS involvement in childhood ALL. In the present study, CSF from 14 infants was collected at routine lumbar punctures and analysed by multicolour flow cytometry. At initial diagnosis, leukaemic blasts were detected in CSF by flow cytometry in 11 patients (78·6%) compared to seven patients (50%) by cytospin. Larger studies are needed to determine if CSF flow cytometry has prognostic value in infant ALL.
Quality of life following treatment for T1a glottic cancer with surgery or radiotherapy: outcomes from the Head and Neck 5000 cohort
Authors: O'Hara James , Whitmarsh Alex , Pring Miranda , Thomas Steve , Ness Andy 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the quality of life in patients treated with either RT or surgery alone for T1a glottic carcinoma.DesignThis prospective cohort study aims to assess generic‐ and disease‐specific patient‐reported QoL in patients treated with either surgery or RT for T1a glottic carcinoma.SettingsMulticentre, secondary care specialist head and neck units in the UK.ParticipantsParticipants were recruited as part of the multicentre, prospective Head and Neck 5000 cohort between 2011 and 2014.Main outcome measuresBaseline demographic data were collected. All participants completed the EORTC QLQ C30 and EORTC QLQ H&N35 questionnaires at baseline, 4 months, 12 months and after 36 months.ResultsOne hundred and twenty three participants received radiotherapy only (n = 68) or surgery only (n = 55). Overall QoL scores were similar between both groups. The median (IQR) EORTC QLQ C30 summary scores at 12 months were 89.3 (79.1, 95.7) and 92.6 (74.4, 97.9) for the radiotherapy and surgery groups respectively. The equivalent summary scores for the EORTC QLQ H&N35 were 91.9 (83.8, 94.9) and 90.4 (85.5, 94.9). There was a modest difference in some QoL subscales between the groups, but no differences existed beyond 4 months.ConclusionsPatient‐reported QoL is similar following either radiotherapy or surgery for T1a glottic carcinoma. These data support current guidance recommended TLM for this disease.
Using historical spy satellite photographs and recent remote sensing data to identify high‐conservation‐value forests
Authors: Munteanu Catalina , Senf Cornelius , Nita Mihai D. , Sabatini Francesco Maria , Oeser Julian , Seidl Rupert , Kuemmerle Tobias 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHigh‐conservation‐value forests (HCVFs) are critically important for biodiversity and ecosystem service provisioning, but they face many threats. Where systematic HCVF inventories are missing, such as in parts of Eastern Europe, these forests remain largely unacknowledged and therefore often unprotected. We devised a novel, transferable approach for detecting HCVFs based on integrating historical spy satellite images, contemporary remote sensing data (Landsat), and information on current potential anthropogenic pressures (e.g., road infrastructure, population density, demand for fire wood, terrain). We applied the method to the Romanian Carpathians, for which we mapped forest continuity (1955–2019), canopy structural complexity, and anthropogenic pressures. We identified 738,000 ha of HCVF. More than half of this area was identified as susceptible to current anthropogenic pressures and lacked formal protection. By providing a framework for broad‐scale HCVF monitoring, our approach facilitates integration of HCVF into forest conservation and management. This is urgently needed to achieve the goals of the European Union's Biodiversity Strategy to maintain valuable forest ecosystems.
989. NICOTIANA WALPA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Dodsworth Steven , Christenhusz Maarten J. M. 
Published: August 2021

SummaryThe Australian species Nicotiana walpa is newly described here from plants collected at the Uluru‐Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, Australia, and illustrated from plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.
997. NICOTIANA MURCHISONICA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Przeslawski Rachel A. , Falvey Liam E. , Fay Michael F. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M. 
Published: August 2021

SummaryNicotiana murchisonica is described here. It is illustrated from plants collected along the Murchison River and tributaries in Western Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its discovery, ecology, cytology and cultivation are discussed.
SPECIES DELIMITATION IN NICOTIANA SECT. SUAVEOLENTES (SOLANACEAE): RECIPROCAL ILLUMINATION LEADS TO RECOGNITION OF MANY NEW SPECIES
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Palsson Ruth L. , Fay Michael F. , Dodsworth Steven , Conran John G. , Cauz‐Santos Luiz A. , Nollet Felipe , Samuel Rose , Paun Ovidiu 
Published: August 2021

SummaryIn this volume of Curtis's Botanical Magazine, we increase the number of species recognised in Nicotiana sect. Suaveolentes to 38, up from the 21 recorded in the Flora of Australia published 39 years ago, but we estimate the final number is likely to exceed 60. We examine the reasons why so many unrecognised species exist. Several Australian and American botanists have previously specialised in Nicotiana but did not detect such diversity. We have carried out many fieldtrips, seen most known species in the wild and have grown these accessions from diverse areas side‐by‐side in cultivation to avoid basing decisions about species characteristics on features heavily influenced by environmental plasticity. In the end, we conclude that it is a mixture of focused and extensive fieldwork and more recent genomic, genetic and karyological studies combined in the process of reciprocal illumination, that has enabled us to describe so many new species. We also briefly focus on the topic of why Nicotiana is so species‐rich in Australia.
A role for cerebral cortex in the suppression of innate defensive behaviour
Authors: Natale Silvia , Esteban Masferrer Maria , Deivasigamani Senthilkumar , Gross Cornelius T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe cerebral cortex is widely accepted to be involved in the control of cognition and the processing of learned information. However, data suggest that it may also have a role in the regulation of innate responses because rodents, cats or primates with surgical removal of cortical regions show excessive aggression and rage elicited by threatening stimuli. Nevertheless, the imprecision and chronic nature of these lesions leave open the possibility that compensatory processes may underlie some of these phenotypes. In the present study we applied a precise, rapid and reversible inhibition approach to examine the contribution of the cerebral cortex to defensive behaviours elicited by a variety of innately aversive stimuli in laboratory mice. Pharmacological treatment of mice carrying the pharmacogenetic inhibitory receptor hM4D selectively in neocortex, archicortex and related dorsal telencephalon‐derived structures resulted in the rapid inhibition of cerebral cortex neural activity. Cortical inhibition was associated with a selective increase in defensive behaviours elicited by an aggressive conspecific, a novel prey and a physically stressful stimulus. These findings are consistent with a role for cortex in the acute inhibition of innate defensive behaviours.
Interplay between NMDA receptor dynamics and the synaptic proteasome
Authors: Ferreira Joana S. , Kellermayer Blanka , Carvalho Ana Luísa , Groc Laurent 
Published: August 2021

AbstractProteasome activity at the excitatory synapse plays an important role in neuronal communication. The proteasome translocation to synapses is mediated by neuronal activity, in particular the activation of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs). These receptors are composed of different subunits with distinct trafficking properties that provide various signalling and plasticity features to the synapse. Yet whether the interplay between the proteasome and NMDAR relies on specific subunit properties remain unclear. Using a combination of single molecule and immunocytochemistry imaging approaches in rat hippocampal neurons, we unveil a specific interplay between GluN2B‐containing NMDARs (GluN2B‐NMDARs) and the synaptic proteasome. Sustained proteasome activation specifically increases GluN2B‐NMDAR (not GluN2A‐NMDAR) lateral diffusion. In addition, when GluN2B‐NMDAR expression is downregulated, the proteasome localization decreases at glutamatergic synapses. Collectively, our data fuel a model in which the cellular dynamics and location of GluN2B‐NMDARs and proteasome are intermingled, shedding new lights on the NMDAR‐dependent regulation of synaptic adaptation.
Capturing the spatial variability of algal bloom development in a shallow temperate lake
Authors: Ortiz David A. , Wilkinson Grace M. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Algal blooms can have profound effects on the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems and have the potential to interrupt valuable ecosystem services. Despite the potential ecological and economic consequences of algal blooms, the spatial dynamics of bloom development in spatially complex ecosystems such as shallow lakes remain poorly characterised. Our goal was to evaluate the magnitude and drivers of spatial variability of algal biomass, dissolved oxygen, and pH over the course of a season, in a shallow lake in order to better understand the spatial dynamics of algal blooms in these ecosystems.

We sampled 98 locations in a small eutrophic lake on a 65‐m grid for several parameters (chlorophyll a, phycocyanin, dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature), weekly over 122 days. This was done to estimate the dynamics of variability and spatial autocorrelation during the course of multiple bloom events. We also compared the spatial measurements to a high frequency sensor deployed at a fixed station and estimated the optimal spatial sampling resolution by performing a rarefaction analysis.

Spatial heterogeneity of algal pigments was high, particularly during bloom events, and this pattern and the overall severity of the bloom were not well captured with the fixed station monitoring. The pattern of algal pigments and other limnologically important variables (dissolved oxygen and pH) was related to the direction of prevailing winds 24 hr prior to sampling, the shallow northern basin where the main surface inlet is located, and heavy precipitation. Additionally, a dense bed of floating‐leaf macrophytes contributed to local patchiness in all variables. Finally, from the rarefaction analysis we found that minimal information about the mean state of the ecosystem was gained after c. 30 locations had been sampled.

This study revealed how spatially heterogeneous shallow lakes are over the course of a single season, and that the magnitude of variability was highest during biologically intensive periods such as algal blooms. As such, continued research is needed across a range of trophic conditions to better understand the structure of horizontal variability in lakes. Overall, these data demonstrate the need for spatially explicit monitoring to better understand the dynamics and drivers of algal blooms in shallow lakes and to better manage ecosystem services.