bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of urban functional fragmentation on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) variation with anthropogenic-emission restriction in China
Authors: Meng Yuan , Wong Man Sing , Xing Hanfa , Zhu Rui , Qin Kai , Kwan Mei-Po , Lee Kwon Ho , Kwok Coco Yin Tung , Li Hon 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUrban functional fragmentation plays an important role in assessing Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions and variations. While the mediated impact of anthropogenic-emission restriction has not been comprehensively discussed, the lockdown response to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) provides an unprecedented opportunity to meet this goal. This study proposes a new idea to explore the effects of urban functional fragmentation on NO2 variation with anthropogenic-emission restriction in China. First, NO2 variations are quantified by an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with external variables-Dynamic Time Warping (SARIMAX-DTW)-based model. Then, urban functional fragmentation indices including industrial/public Edge Density (ED) and Landscape Shape Index (LSI), urban functional Aggregation Index (AI) and Number of Patches (NP) are developed. Finally, the mediated impacts of anthropogenic-emission restriction are assessed by evaluating the fragmentation-NO2 variation association before and during the lockdown during COVID-19. The findings reveal negative effects of industrial ED, public LSI, urban functional AI and NP and positive effects of public ED and industrial LSI on NO2 variation based on the restricted anthropogenic emissions. By comparing the association analysis before and during lockdown, the mediated impact of anthropogenic-emission restriction is revealed to partially increase the effect of industrial ED, industrial LSI, public LSI, urban functional AI and NP and decrease the effect of public ED on NO2 variation. This study provides scientific findings for redesigning the urban environment in related to the urban functional configuration to mitigating the air pollution, ultimately developing sustainable societies.
Comparative analysis of phenotypic plasticity sheds light on the evolution and molecular underpinnings of locust phase polyphenism
Authors: Foquet Bert , Castellanos Adrian A. , Song Hojun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLocusts exhibit one of nature’s most spectacular examples of complex phenotypic plasticity, in which changes in density cause solitary and cryptic individuals to transform into gregarious and conspicuous locusts forming large migrating swarms. We investigated how these coordinated alternative phenotypes might have evolved by studying the Central American locust and three closely related non-swarming grasshoppers in a comparative framework. By experimentally isolating and crowding during nymphal development, we induced density-dependent phenotypic plasticity and quantified the resulting behavioural, morphological, and molecular reaction norms. All four species exhibited clear plasticity, but the individual reaction norms varied among species and showed different magnitudes. Transcriptomic responses were species-specific, but density-responsive genes were functionally similar across species. There were modules of co-expressed genes that were highly correlated with plastic reaction norms, revealing a potential molecular basis of density-dependent phenotypic plasticity. These findings collectively highlight the importance of studying multiple reaction norms from a comparative perspective.
Association between nocturnal activity of the sympathetic nervous system and cognitive dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Alomri Ridwan M. , Kennedy Gerard A. , Wali Siraj Omar , Alhejaili Faris , Robinson Stephen R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with repetitive breathing obstructions during sleep. These episodes of hypoxia and associated arousals from sleep induce physiological stress and nocturnal over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). One consequence of OSA is impairment in a range of cognitive domains. Previous research into cognitive impairment in OSA have focussed on intermittent hypoxia and disrupted sleep, but not nocturnal over-activation of the SNS. Therefore, we investigated whether nocturnal over-activity of the SNS was associated with cognitive impairments in OSA. The extent of nocturnal SNS activation was estimated from heart rate variability (HRV), pulse wave amplitude (PWA) and stress response biomarkers (cortisol and glucose levels). OSA severity was significantly associated with PWA indices and the HRV low frequency/ high frequency ratio (p < 0.05). Morning blood glucose levels were significantly associated with the duration of a blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) < 90% (p < 0.01). PWA and HRV were significantly associated with the time taken to perform a task involving visuospatial functioning (p < 0.05), but not with impairments in sustained attention, reaction time or autobiographical memory. These results suggest that the visuospatial dysfunction observed in people with OSA is associated with increased nocturnal activity of the SNS.
Longitudinal national-level monitoring of on-farm broiler welfare identifies consistently poorly performing farms
Authors: Mullan Siobhan , Stuijfzand Bobby , Butterworth Andrew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA range of welfare outcome measures relating to on-farm welfare are monitored in UK slaughterhouses to check compliance with the European Broiler Directive. A national dataset from 438,155 batches of chickens between 2010 and 2014 and from 228,795 batches between 2016 and 2018 was analysed. The data contained information about 3.1 billion chickens. The highest mean proportion for a single condition was for ascites/oedema in 2016–2018 at 0.384%, affecting 3.9 million chickens/year sent to slaughter during that time, followed by abnormal colour/fevered at 0.324%, affecting 3.4 million chickens/year. Identifying farms most likely to have poor welfare is an important strategy for improving animal welfare overall, and for maximising the capacity for checking regulatory compliance when resources are limited. We found a greater proportion of broiler farms overall remained consistently in the best quartile (16.4%) rather than the worst quartile (6.6%). Farms that exceeded a Government ‘trigger’ threshold for poor welfare were significantly more likely to subsequently improve than ‘non-trigger’ farms, although they usually remained in the worst performing quartile of farms.
Architecting functionalized carbon microtube/carrollite nanocomposite demonstrating significant microwave characteristics
Authors: Peymanfar Reza , Selseleh-Zakerin Elnaz , Ahmadi Ali , Tavassoli Seyed Hassan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBiomass-derived materials have recently received considerable attention as lightweight, low-cost, and green microwave absorbers. On the other hand, sulfide nanostructures due to their narrow band gaps have demonstrated significant microwave characteristics. In this research, carbon microtubes were fabricated using a biowaste and then functionalized by a novel complementary solvothermal and sonochemistry method. The functionalized carbon microtubes (FCMT) were ornamented by CuCo2S4 nanoparticles as a novel spinel sulfide microwave absorber. The prepared structures illustrated narrow energy band gap and deposition of the sulfide structures augmented the polarizability, desirable for dielectric loss and microwave attenuation. Eventually, the architected structures were blended by polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to estimate their microwave absorbing and antibacterial characteristics. The antibacterial properties against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were scrupulously assessed. Noteworthy, the maximum reflection loss (RL) of the CuCo2S4/PAN with a thickness of 1.75 mm was 61.88 dB at 11.60 GHz, while the architected FCMT/PAN composite gained a broadband efficient bandwidth as wide as 7.91 GHz (RL > 10 dB) and 3.25 GHz (RL > 20 dB) with a thickness of 2.00 mm. More significantly, FCMT/CuCo2S4/PAN demonstrated an efficient bandwidth of 2.04 GHz (RL > 20 dB) with only 1.75 mm in thickness. Interestingly, FCMT/CuCo2S4/PAN and CuCo2S4/PAN composites demonstrated an electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency of more than 90 and 97% at the entire x and ku-band frequencies, respectively.
Electricity-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis counteracts Cutibacterium acnes
Authors: Marito Shinta , Keshari Sunita , Traisaeng Supitchaya , My Do Thi Tra , Balasubramaniam Arun , Adi Prakoso , Hsieh Ming-Fa , Herr Deron Raymond , Huang Chun-Ming 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStaphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) ATCC 12228 was incubated with 2% polyethylene glycol (PEG)-8 Laurate to yield electricity which was measured by a voltage difference between electrodes. Production of electron was validated by a Ferrozine assay. The anti-Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) activity of electrogenic S. epidermidis was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The voltage change (~ 4.4 mV) reached a peak 60 min after pipetting S. epidermidis plus 2% PEG-8 Laurate onto anodes. The electricity produced by S. epidermidis caused significant growth attenuation and cell lysis of C. acnes. Intradermal injection of C. acnes and S. epidermidis plus PEG-8 Laurate into the mouse ear considerably suppressed the growth of C. acnes. This suppressive effect was noticeably reversed when cyclophilin A of S. epidermidis was inhibited, indicating the essential role of cyclophilin A in electricity production of S. epidermidis against C. acnes. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that skin S. epidermidis, in the presence of PEG-8 Laurate, can mediate cyclophilin A to elicit an electrical current that has anti-C. acnes effects. Electricity generated by S. epidermidis may confer immediate innate immunity in acne lesions to rein in the overgrowth of C. acnes at the onset of acne vulgaris.
Animal sales from Wuhan wet markets immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Newman Chris , Buesching Christina D. , Macdonald David W. , Zhou Zhao-Min 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHere we document 47,381 individuals from 38 species, including 31 protected species sold between May 2017 and November 2019 in Wuhan’s markets. We note that no pangolins (or bats) were traded, supporting reformed opinion that pangolins were not likely the spillover host at the source of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While we caution against the misattribution of COVID-19’s origins, the wild animals on sale in Wuhan suffered poor welfare and hygiene conditions and we detail a range of other zoonotic infections they can potentially vector. Nevertheless, in a precautionary response to COVID-19, China’s Ministries temporarily banned all wildlife trade on 26th Jan 2020 until the COVID-19 pandemic concludes, and permanently banned eating and trading terrestrial wild (non-livestock) animals for food on 24th Feb 2020. These interventions, intended to protect human health, redress previous trading and enforcement inconsistencies, and will have collateral benefits for global biodiversity conservation and animal welfare.
Feeling of guilt explains why people react differently to resource depletion warnings
Authors: Baumgartner Thomas , Lobmaier Janek S. , Ruffieux Nicole , Knoch Daria 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDespite insistent warnings from climate scientists, the global environmental situation is further deteriorating. To date, only very few studies have investigated the impact of warnings on sustainable decision-making in controlled laboratory settings. Moreover, the few existing studies mainly looked at average warning reactions rather than taking individual differences into account. Here, we investigated individual differences in the reaction to resource depletion warnings and scrutinized the impact of emotions on behavioural changes by applying a resource dilemma task with warnings. Data-driven and model-free cluster analyses identified four different types of consumption behaviour. Importantly, guilt was positively related to sustainable decision-making after warnings. In contrast, a lack of guilt was associated with no behavioural change or even worse with more unsustainable behaviour after warnings. These findings contribute to the debate over effective climate change communication by demonstrating that issuing warnings about the climate crisis only leads to the intended behavioural changes if people experience guilt.
A metabolic modeling approach reveals promising therapeutic targets and antiviral drugs to combat COVID-19
Authors: Santos-Beneit Fernando , Raškevičius Vytautas , Skeberdis Vytenis A. , Bordel Sergio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this study we have developed a method based on Flux Balance Analysis to identify human metabolic enzymes which can be targeted for therapeutic intervention against COVID-19. A literature search was carried out in order to identify suitable inhibitors of these enzymes, which were confirmed by docking calculations. In total, 10 targets and 12 bioactive molecules have been predicted. Among the most promising molecules we identified Triacsin C, which inhibits ACSL3, and which has been shown to be very effective against different viruses, including positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. Similarly, we also identified the drug Celgosivir, which has been successfully tested in cells infected with different types of viruses such as Dengue, Zika, Hepatitis C and Influenza. Finally, other drugs targeting enzymes of lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism or protein palmitoylation (such as Propylthiouracil, 2-Bromopalmitate, Lipofermata, Tunicamycin, Benzyl Isothiocyanate, Tipifarnib and Lonafarnib) are also proposed.
Exhaustive valorization of cashew nut shell waste as a potential bioresource material
Authors: Nyirenda James , Zombe Kadango , Kalaba George , Siabbamba Chipo , Mukela Inyambo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we report extraction of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) from cashew nut shell waste (CNSW) and further use of residues for generation of activated carbon for removal of heavy metals and methylene blue (MB). Solvent extraction yielded 24.6 ± 0.4%, 38.2 ± 0.4% and 40.1 ± 0.9% for petroleum ether, hexane and ethanol respectively. Phytochemical screening showed presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, amino acids, terpenoids, proteins, steroids, glycosides and carboxylic acids. The CNSL had a pH of 3.2, viscosity (104.6 ± 1.8 mPa s), moisture (6.5%), ash (1.6 ± 0.1%), refractive index (1.52 ± 0.001), specific density (0.9561 ± 0.0002 g/cm3), acid value (118.7 ± 9.2 mg KOH/g), free fatty acid value (60.1 ± 4.7%), saponification number (138.1 ± 3.2 mg KOH/g) and iodine value (188.1 ± 2.3 mgI 2/100 g). The average percentage removal of Cu (II), Pb (II), Cd (II) and Zn (II) was 99.4 ± 0.5, 95.4 ± 1.5, 99.5 ± 0.1, 98.4 ± 0.1%, and removal efficiency of MB at 50, 150, 250 and 350 mg/L was 99.63, 97.66, 96.48 and 94.81%, respectively. Equilibrium data were best described by the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 12.1 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics conformed to pseudo-second-order model. ∆G° was negative and a ∆H° of + 22.76 kJ/mol indicated that adsorption was endothermic. The ΔS° (+ 0.086 kJ/mol/K) showed that there was spontaneous interaction of the solution and adsorbate. These results show that CNSW is a potential bioresource for CNSL production for use in the paints, varnishes, surface coatings, agrochemicals and ethnomedicine industries. Residual shells can be exploited as fuels or converted to activated carbon for use as low-cost filters in water purification.
SARS-CoV-2 mutations in Brazil: from genomics to putative clinical conditions
Authors: Timmers Luis Fernando Saraiva Macedo , Peixoto Julia Vasconcellos , Ducati Rodrigo Gay , Bachega José Fernando Ruggiero , de Mattos Pereira Leandro , Caceres Rafael Andrade , Majolo Fernanda , da Silva Guilherme Liberato , Anton Débora Bublitz , Dellagostin Odir Antônio , Henriques João Antônio Pegas , Xavier Léder Leal , Goettert Márcia Inês , Laufer Stefan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDue to the high rate of transmissibility, Brazil became the new COVID-19 outbreak epicenter and, since then, is being monitored to understand how SARS-CoV-2 mutates and spreads. We combined genomic and structural analysis to evaluate genomes isolated from different regions of Brazil and show that the most prevalent mutations were located in the S, N, ORF3a and ORF6 genes, which are involved in different stages of viral life cycle and its interaction with the host cells. Structural analysis brought to light the positions of these mutations on protein structures, contributing towards studies of selective structure-based drug discovery and vaccine development.
First principles computation of composition dependent elastic constants of omega in titanium alloys: implications on mechanical behavior
Authors: Salloom R. , Mantri S. A. , Banerjee R. , Srinivasan S. G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFor decades the poor mechanical properties of Ti alloys were attributed to the intrinsic brittleness of the hexagonal ω-phase that has fewer than 5-independent slip systems. We contradict this conventional wisdom by coupling first-principles and cluster expansion calculations with experiments. We show that the elastic properties of the ω-phase can be systematically varied as a function of its composition to enhance both the ductility and strength of the Ti-alloy. Studies with five prototypical β-stabilizer solutes (Nb, Ta, V, Mo, and W) show that increasing β-stabilizer concentration destabilizes the ω-phase, in agreement with experiments. The Young’s modulus of ω-phase also decreased at larger concentration of β-stabilizers. Within the region of ω-phase stability, addition of Nb, Ta, and V (Group-V elements) decreased Young’s modulus more steeply compared to Mo and W (Group-VI elements) additions. The higher values of Young’s modulus of Ti–W and Ti–Mo binaries is related to the stronger stabilization of ω-phase due to the higher number of valence electrons. Density of states (DOS) calculations also revealed a stronger covalent bonding in the ω-phase compared to a metallic bonding in β-phase, and indicate that alloying is a promising route to enhance the ω-phase’s ductility. Overall, the mechanical properties of ω-phase predicted by our calculations agree well with the available experiments. Importantly, our study reveals that ω precipitates are not intrinsically embrittling and detrimental, and that we can create Ti-alloys with both good ductility and strength by tailoring ω precipitates' composition instead of completely eliminating them.
Metabolic control of daily locomotor activity mediated by tachykinin in Drosophila
Authors: Lee Sang Hyuk , Cho Eunjoo , Yoon Sung-Eun , Kim Youngjoon , Kim Eun Young 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMetabolism influences locomotor behaviors, but the understanding of neural curcuit control for that is limited. Under standard light-dark cycles, Drosophila exhibits bimodal morning (M) and evening (E) locomotor activities that are controlled by clock neurons. Here, we showed that a high-nutrient diet progressively extended M activity but not E activity. Drosophila tachykinin (DTk) and Tachykinin-like receptor at 86C (TkR86C)-mediated signaling was required for the extension of M activity. DTk neurons were anatomically and functionally connected to the posterior dorsal neuron 1s (DN1ps) in the clock neuronal network. The activation of DTk neurons reduced intracellular Ca2+ levels in DN1ps suggesting an inhibitory connection. The contacts between DN1ps and DTk neurons increased gradually over time in flies fed a high-sucrose diet, consistent with the locomotor behavior. DN1ps have been implicated in integrating environmental sensory inputs (e.g., light and temperature) to control daily locomotor behavior. This study revealed that DN1ps also coordinated nutrient information through DTk signaling to shape daily locomotor behavior.
Enhanced aging kinetics in Al-Mg-Si alloys by up-quenching
Authors: Schmid Florian , Dumitraschkewitz Philip , Kremmer Thomas , Uggowitzer Peter J. , Tosone Ramona , Pogatscher Stefan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPrecipitation-hardened aluminium alloys typically obtain their strength by forming second-phase particles, which, however, often have a negative effect on formability. To enable both lightweight construction and forming of complex parts such as body panels, high strength and formability are required simultaneously. Cluster hardening is a promising approach to achieve this. Here, we show that short thermal spikes, denoted as up-quenching, increase aging kinetics, which we attribute to the repeated process of vacancies being formed at high temperatures and retained when cooled to lower temperatures. Combined with further heat treatment, the up-quenching process promotes rapid and extensive cluster formation in Al-Mg-Si alloys, which in turn generates significant strengthening at industrially relevant heat treatment time scales. The high elongation values also observed are attributed to reduced solute depleted zones along grain boundaries.
Non-growing season carbon emissions in a northern peatland are projected to increase under global warming
Authors: Rafat Arash , Rezanezhad Fereidoun , Quinton William L. , Humphreys Elyn R. , Webster Kara , Van Cappellen Philippe 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPeatlands are important ecosystems that store approximately one third of terrestrial organic carbon. Non-growing season carbon fluxes significantly contribute to annual carbon budgets in peatlands, yet their response to climate change is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the governing environmental variables of non-growing season carbon emissions in a northern peatland. We develop a support-vector regression model using a continuous 13-year dataset of eddy covariance flux measurements from the Mer Blue Bog, Canada. We determine that only seven variables were needed to reproduce carbon fluxes, which were most sensitive to net radiation above the canopy, soil temperature, wind speed and soil moisture. We find that changes in soil temperature and photosynthesis drove changes in net carbon flux. Assessing net ecosystem carbon exchange under three representative concentration pathways, we project a 103% increase in peatland carbon loss by 2100 under a high emissions scenario. We suggest that peatland carbon losses constitute a strong positive climate feedback loop.
Co3O4/CeO2 multi-shelled nanospheres derived from self-templated synthesis for efficient catalytic CO oxidation
Authors: Liang Xi , Zhang Shuaishuai , Zhao Meng , Xu Jing , Yu Yang , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie 
Published: June 2021

Co0.9Ce0.1O2−δ catalyst derived from the coordination polymer demonstrats superior CO oxidation performance, which can be attributed to the higher surface area caused by incorporating Ce.
Advances in metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum to produce high-value active ingredients for food, feed, human health, and well-being
Authors: Wolf Sabrina , Becker Judith , Tsuge Yota , Kawaguchi Hideo , Kondo Akihiko , Marienhagen Jan , Bott Michael , Wendisch Volker F. , Wittmann Christoph 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The soil microbe Corynebacterium glutamicum is a leading workhorse in industrial biotechnology and has become famous for its power to synthetise amino acids and a range of bulk chemicals at high titre and yield. The product portfolio of the microbe is continuously expanding. Moreover, metabolically engineered strains of C. glutamicum produce more than 30 high value active ingredients, including signature molecules of raspberry, savoury, and orange flavours, sun blockers, anti-ageing sugars, and polymers for regenerative medicine. Herein, we highlight recent advances in engineering of the microbe into novel cell factories that overproduce these precious molecules from pioneering proofs-of-concept up to industrial productivity.