bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Long-term Low Concentrations of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Dewaterability of Activated Sludge and the Relevant Mechanism: The Role of Nanoparticle Aging
Authors: Jiang Chengyu , Chen Qingjin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Nanoparticles can undergo aging phenomena that change their physical and chemical properties in sewage treatment systems. However, the effect of aged nanoparticles under long-term low concentrations on the dewatering performance of activated sludge in sewage treatment systems has not been reported yet. Here, we compared the chronic effects of pristine and aged TiO2 nanoparticles on sludge dewatering index including specific resistance to filtration (SRF) and bound water (BW) in the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with the µg/L concentration levels and the relevant mechanisms were analyzed. The results show that the aging experiment in sludge supernatant could change the photosensitivity and water stability of nanoparticles, which was mainly due to the changes in the zeta potential and energy band of the particle, and ultimately attributed to the combined effect of particle surface inclusions such as organic matter and inorganic salt. At 10µg/L, nanoparticles could reduce the dewaterability of sludge, but at 100µg/L, nanoparticles could improve the dewaterability of sludge, because 10µg/L promoted the secretion of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), regulated the structure of sludge flora and increased the abundance of secreting quorum sensing-acyl-homoserine lactones (QS-AHL) and EPS genera, while the corresponding exposure results of 100µg/L were the opposite, due to the damage and necrosis exposure effects of 100µg/L under long-term light, which reduced EPS production and increased sludge density. Interestingly, aging could alleviate the effects of two exposure concentrations on sludge dewatering, mainly being attributed to the decrease of the photoactivity of nanoparticles. The results of this study show that environmental aging could slow down, but cannot reverse the results of exposure to specific concentrations of nanoparticles. However, the ecological effects of photosensitive nanoparticles with two environmentally-relevant concentration levels of ug/L were significantly different, which should be refined and confirmed again in freshwater environment to provide a basis for subsequent scientific management and control of photosensitive nanoparticles.
Direct visualization of orbital electron occupancy
Authors: Shang Tongtong , Xiao Dongdong , Meng Fanqi , Rong Xiaohui , Liu Xiaozhi , Li Xinyan , Zhang Qinghua , Wen Yuren , Wang Xuefeng , Su Dong , Hu Yong-Sheng , Li Hong , Yu Qian , Zhang Ze , Petricek Vaclav , Wu Lijun , Gu Lin , Zuo Jian-Min , Zhu Yimei , Nan Ce Wen , Zhu Jing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Orbital is one of the primary physical parameters that determine materials’ properties. Currently, experimentally revealing the electron occupancies of orbitals under the control of external field remains a big challenge due to the stringent requirements for samples such as the atomically sharp surface or defect-free large-size single crystals. Here, we developed a method with the combination of quantitative convergent-beam electron diffraction and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction, and demonstrated the visualization of the real-space orbital occupancy by choosing LiCoO2 as a prototype. Through multipole modelling of the accurately measured structure factors, we found the opposite changes of Co t2g and eg orbital occupancies under different electrochemical states which can be well-correlated with the CoO6 octahedra distortion. This robust method provides a feasible route to quantify the real-space orbital occupancy on small-sized particles, and opens up a new avenue for exploring the orbital origin of physical properties for functional materials.
Genetic determinants of ammonia excretion in nifL mutants of Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: Mus Florence , Khokhani Devanshi , Rugoli Esther , Dixon Ray , Ané Jean-Michel , Peters John 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The ubiquitous diazotrophic soil bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii has been extensively studied as a model organism for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). In A. vinelandii, BNF is regulated by the NifL-NifA two-component system, where NifL acts as an anti-activator that tightly controls that activity of the nitrogen fixation specific transcriptional activator, NifA, in response to redox, nitrogen, and carbon status. While several studies reported mutations in A. vinelandii nifL resulted in the deregulation of nitrogenase expression and the release of large quantities of ammonia, knowledge about the specific determinants for this ammonia-excreting phenotype is lacking. In this work, we report that only specific disruptions of nifL lead to large quantities of ammonia accumulated in liquid culture (~ 12 mM). The ammonia excretion phenotype is solely associated with deletions of NifL domains combined with the insertion of a promoter sequence in the opposite orientation to nifLA transcription. We further demonstrated that the strength of the inserted promoter could influence the amounts of ammonia excreted by affecting rnf1 gene expression as an additional requirement for ammonia excretion. These ammonia-excreting nifL mutants significantly stimulate the transfer of fixed nitrogen to rice. This work defines the discreet determinants that bring about A. vinelandii ammonia excretion and demonstrates that strains can be generated through simple gene editing to provide promising biofertilizers capable of transferring nitrogen to crops.
Combining Banker Plants To Achieve High Pest Control Efficiency In Multi-Pest, Multi-Natural Enemy Cropping Systems
Authors: Chen Xu , Jaworski Coline C. , Dai Huijie , Liang Yuyong , Guo Xiaojun , Wang Su , Zang Lian-Sheng , Desneux Nicolas 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Banker plants increase biological pest control by supporting populations of non-pest arthropod species used as alternative hosts or prey by natural enemies. Due to the specificity of trophic interactions, banker plants may not efficiently promote natural enemies with different ecologies. Yet in most cropping systems different pest species are present together and require different biocontrol agents to efficiently control them. In the present study, we tested the combined use of two banker plants and their associated prey / host to enhance populations of the specialist parasitoid Encarsia formosa targeting the main tomato pest Bemisia tabaci, and a polyphagous ladybird Propylea japonica targeting the secondary pest Myzus persicae in tomato crops. In a laboratory and a greenhouse experiment, we measured the abundances of these four species using the Ricinus communis – Trialeurodes ricini banker plant system alone, in combination with the Glycines max – Megoura japonica system, or in absence of banker plants. We found that the first banker plant system enhanced populations of E. formosa, resulting in higher control of B. tabaci populations and the suppression of their outbreak in both our laboratory and greenhouse experiment. Conversely, abundances of P. japonica were not affected by this first system, but were significantly increased when the second was present. This resulted in high control of M. persicae populations and the suppression of their early and late outbreaks. Our study demonstrates the potential for combined banker plants to provide long-term, sustainable control of multiple pests by their target natural enemies in complex agroecosystems.
Estimation of The Fractal Dimension of Thyroid Nodules As A Complementary Diagnostic Tool For Predicting Malignancy
Authors: Lothaire Philippe , Uzureau Pierrick , Boudjelta Karim Zouaoui , Nagy Nathalie , Michiels Carine , Carletti Timoteo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
PurposeUltrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration is the most sensitive investigation procedure in the evaluation of patients with thyroid nodules; however, despite the level of achieved precision, it is still impossible to preoperatively discriminate between follicular adenomas and carcinomas. Thus, no current detection tool of thyroid nodule has both high sensitivity and high positive predictive value for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Ultrasound images provide information that are currently missed due to visual interpretation, including the roughness of the echotexture. However, such information can be retrieved using the measurement of the fractal dimension (FD).Material and methodsAccording to the box-counting method, we measured the FD of the echotexture of ultrasound images of 13 benign thyroid nodules and 14 malignant thyroid nodules compared to normal thyroid tissue from 10 men and 16 women (mean age 40).ResultsThe difference of the FD value between malignant nodules (median FD 2.31) and corresponding normal tissues (median FD 2.184) was significant (p<0.001) while the FD values for the benign nodules (median FD 2.21) and for corresponding normal tissues (median FD 2.231) could not be distinguished (p=0.78).ConclusionsThis preliminary work revealed that FD would be an additional feature to discriminate benign from malignant nodules. A larger sampling is now required to confirm the possible utilization of FD in the thyroid cancer diagnosis in clinical practice.
Nitrogen Transport in a Tundra Landscape: The Effects of Early and Late Growing Season Lateral N Inputs on Arctic Soil and Plant N Pools and N2O Fluxes
Authors: Rasmussen Laura Helene , Zhang Wenxin , Ambus Per , Jansson Per-Erik , Kitzler Barbara , Elberling Bo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Understanding N budgets of tundra ecosystems is crucial for projecting future changes in plant community composition, greenhouse gas balances and soil N stocks. Winter warming can lead to higher tundra winter nitrogen (N) mineralization rates, while summer warming may increase both growing season N mineralization and plant N demand. The undulating tundra landscape is inter-connected through water and solute movement on top of and within near-surface soil, but the importance of lateral N fluxes for tundra N budgets is not well known. We studied the quantity and fate of lateral N fluxes in the snowmelt period with a shallow thaw layer, and the late growing season with a deeper thaw layer. We used 15N to trace inorganic lateral N movement in a Low-arctic mesic tundra heath slope in West Greenland and to quantify the fate of N in the receiving area. We found that half of the early-season lateral N input was retained by the receiving ecosystem, whereas half was transported downslope. Plants appear as poor utilizers of early-season N, indicating that higher winter N mineralization may influence plant growth and carbon (C) sequestration less than expected. Still, evergreen plants were better at utilizing early-season N, highlighting how changes in N availability may impact plant community composition. In contrast, later growing season lateral N input was deeper and offered an advantage to deeper-rooted deciduous plants. The measurements suggest that N input driven by future warming at the study site will have no significant impact on the overall N2O emissions. Our work underlines how tundra ecosystem N allocation, C budgets and plant community composition vary in their response to lateral N inputs, which may help us understand future responses in a warmer Arctic.
Preparation of Cotton Fibers Modified With Aromatic Heterocyclic Compounds and Study of Cr(VI) Adsorption Performance
Authors: Huang Zhiyu , Wu Peng , Yin Yankun , Zhou Xiang , Fu Lu , Wang Luoxin , chen shaohua , Tang Xu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In order to prepare low-cost and environmentally friendly adsorbent materials for adsorption of heavy metal ion, two kinds of novel modified cottons (C-4-APD and C-2-APZ) were obtained by introducing 4-aminopyridin and 2-aminopyrazine into the surface of degreasing cotton, respectively, and used for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. The two modified cottons were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which confirmed the amino groups, pyridine groups and pyrazine groups grafted onto the surface of modified cottons. The maximum adsorption capacities of C-4-APD and C-2-APZ were 73.78 mg/g and 61.34 mg/g, respectively, at the optimum pH of 6 and an initial concentration of 200 mg/g. Kinetic and isotherm studies were carried out to investigate the adsorption behavior of the modified cottons on Cr(VI) ions. The results showed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions by modified cottons followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, the equilibrium data were in good agreement with the Langmuir isotherm model, and electrostatic and chemisorption may be the main adsorption mechanisms. The recovery and reuse of modified cotton were achieved by washing with 2 wt% thiourea-hydrochloric acid solution (0.5 mol/L concentration of HCl), and the adsorption capacities of C-4-APD and C-2-APZ were maintained above 90% and 80%, respectively, after six cycles.
Lipocalin 2 as Putative Modulator of Local Inflammatory Processes in the Spinal Cord and Component of Organ Cross-talk After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Behrens Victoria , Voelz Clara , Müller Nina , Zhao Weiyi , Clarner Tim , Beyer Cordian , Zendedel Adib 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), an immunomodulator, regulates various cellular processes such as iron transport and defense against bacterial infection. Under pathological conditions, Lcn2 promotes neuroinflammation via the recruitment and activation of immune cells and glia, particularly microglia and astrocytes. Although it seems to have a negative influence on the functional outcome in spinal cord injury (SCI), the extent of its involvement in SCI and the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully known. In this study, using a SCI contusion mouse model, we first investigated the expression pattern of Lcn2 in different parts of the CNS (spinal cord and brain), blood serum and in the liver. Interestingly, we could note a significant increase in Lcn2 throughout the whole spinal cord, in the brain, liver and in blood serum. This demonstrates the diversity of its possible sites of action in SCI. Further, genetic deficiency of Lcn2 (Lcn2-/-) significantly reduced certain aspects of gliosis in the SCI-mice. Taken together, our studies provide first valuable hints, suggesting that Lcn2 is involved in the local and systemic effects post SCI, and might modulate the impairment of different peripheral organs after injury.
A Gain-series Method for Accurate EMCCD Calibration
Authors: Ryan Duncan P. , Dunlap Megan K. , Gelfand Martin P. , Werner James H. , Orden Alan , Goodwin Peter M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Calibration of the gain and digital conversion factor of an EMCCD is necessary for accurate photon counting. We present a new method to quickly calibrate multiple gain settings of an EMCCD camera. Acquiring gain-series calibration data and analyzing the resulting images with the EMCCD noise model more accurately estimates the gain response of the camera. Furthermore, we develop a method to compare the results from different calibration approaches. Gain-series calibration outperforms all other methods in this self-consistency test.
Aberrantly ASF1B Promotes Proliferation and Metastasis of Lung Adenocarcinoma in Vitro Study
Authors: wu liyang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
ASF1A and ASF1B are two isoforms of the histone H3–H4 chaperone anti-silencing feature 1 (ASF1) found in mammalian cells. To date, however, it remains elusive if they have different physiological functions in lung adenocarcinoma. Here, we identified both ASF1A and ASF1B are elevated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). ASF1B, but not ASF1A is associated with poor clinical outcomes and act as an independent prognostic factor in LUAD. In vitro studies, knockdown of ASF1B inhibits the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma through modulating the expression of cyclins and CDK inhibitor (CKI). Moreover, by restraining epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), abnormal of ASF1B could limit metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma. In summary, ASF1B is important in the development of NSCLC and can provide a novel target for lung cancer therapy.
The Relationship Between Additional Heads of the Quadriceps Femoris, the Vasti Muscles and the Patellar Ligament
Authors: Olewnik Łukasz , Ruzik Kacper , Szewczyk Bartłomiej , Podgórski Michał , Aragonés Paloma , Karauda Piotr , Tubbs R. Shane , Sanudo Jose Ramon , Pires Maria Bettencourt , Polguj Michał 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction: The quadriceps femoris consists of four muscles: the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis. However, the effect of additional quadriceps femoris heads on the vasti muscles and patellar ligaments is unknown.Materials and Methods: One hundred and six lower limbs (34 male and 19 female cadavers) fixed in 10% formalin were examined.Results: On all lower extremities, the vastus lateralis consisted of superficial, intermediate and deep layers. The vastus medialis, on the other hand, consisted of only the longus and obliquus layers. Additional quadriceps femoris heads affected both the vasti muscles and the patellar ligaments.Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between the presence of accessory quadriceps femoris heads and effects on vasti muscles and patellar ligament.
Crystallite fusion in nanocellulose aggregates
Authors: Daicho Kazuho , Kobayashi Kayoko , Fujisawa Shuji , Saito Tsuguyuki 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Crystallite refers to a single crystalline grain in crystal aggregates, and multiple crystallites form a grain boundary or the inter-crystallite interface1. A grain boundary is a structural defect that hinders the efficient directional transfer of mechanical stress or thermal phonons in crystal aggregates. We observed that grain boundaries within anaggregate of a-few-nanometers-wide fibrillar crystallites of cellulose were crystallized by enhancing their inter-crystallite interactions; multiple crystallites were coupled into single fusion crystals without passing through a melting or dissolving state. Accordingly, the crystallinity of naturally occurring cellulose, which has previously been considered irreversible once decreased2, was recovered, and the thermal energy transfer in the aggregate was significantly improved. Other fibrillar crystallites of chitin also showed a similar fusion phenomenon by enhancing the inter-crystallite interactions. Crystallite fusion in aggregates may occur for other biopolymers.
Histopathological Classification of Canine Endometritis
Authors: Wang Jing-Xuan , Xu Yao , Wang Hao-Ran , Liu Zhi-Yuan , Zhao Qi-Da , Liu Rui-Fang , Wang Xin-Yu , Song Xu-Dong , Xiao Jian-Hua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Endometritis is a common disease of the reproductive system in canine dams. The purpose of this study was to develop a standardized histopathological diagnostic classification criteria for canine endometritis. Forty bitches were ovariectomized, and their endometrial tissues were pathologically classified by imaging, anatomical and hematological diagnostic evaluation. Expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNAs in uterine tissues were also detected by RT-PCR.Results: Endometritis was grouped into one of four classifications: Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) (no inflammation), mild inflammatory infiltrate, severe inflammatory infiltrate (hyperplastic) and severe inflammatory infiltrate (atrophic). Direct comparison of the experimental results was complicated by the varying degree of disease severity in individual animals and the diagnostic criteria currently in use by researchers.Conclusions: It is concluded from this study that most of the dogs with clinical manifestations were characterized by endometrial hyperplasia with severe inflammatory infiltration, while the endometrial hyperplasia with mild inflammatory infiltration was not significant. In addition, endometrial cystic hyperplasia-like lesions were also found in asymptomatic bitches who underwent physiological sterilization.
Forest Fragmentation Slows the Decomposition of Coarse Woody Debris in a Subtropical Forest
Authors: Wu Chunsheng , Prescott Cindy E. , Shu Chunjie , Li Baoyong , Zhang Zhijian , Wang Hankun , Zhang Yi , Liu Yuanqiu , Wang G. Geoff 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Forest fragmentation is increasing rapidly around the world, and edge effects caused by fragmented forests can influence ecosystem functions and ecological processes, including coarse woody debris (CWD) decomposition. Understanding the influencing mechanisms of edge effect on CWD decomposition is needed to assess the effects of forest fragmentation on C cycling and storage. We measured rates of mass loss of CWD of Cinnamomum camphora and Pinus taiwanensis over two years at two distances (0-5m vs. 60m) from a forest edge at two altitudes (215 and 1400 m a.s.l.), in a subtropical forest. In addition, we determined the microbial community of each CWD and the soil beneath via phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Mass loss of CWD 60 m from the forest edge was > 15 % greater than that at the edge (0-5m). Mass loss was positively correlated with the abundance of microbial community and moisture content of the decaying CWD. Distance from edge explained 17.4% of the total variation of the microbial abundance in CWD. The results indicated that the reduced abundance of microbial communities and moisture content at forest edges reduced rates of decomposition of CWD. Long-term experiments with more tree species and more forest types are needed to assess the edge effect's generality.
Comparative Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Plasmakinetic Enucleation of the Prostate in Different Stages Versus Plasmakinetic Resection of the Prostate for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Gu Peng , He Xiaoliang , Zhang Minhao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the clinical curative effect and safety of plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) in different stages versus plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) in the treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Clinical data of 171 hospitalized patients who suffered from BPH undergoing PKEP or PKRP were collected. All patients were separated into PKEP1 group (n = 44, between July 2018 to June 2019), PKRP group (n = 72, between July 2018 to June 2020), and PKEP2 group (n = 55, between July 2019 to June 2020). General preoperative clinical data, perioperative and postoperative results, and complications were recorded and analyzed among the 3 groups. Results: The hemoglobin change in the PKEP1 and PKEP2 were more slightly than that in the PKRP (P > 0.05). Compared with PKRP, more prostate weight was removed in PKEP1 and PKEP2 (P < 0.05). The operation time of PKEP2 was reduced significantly (P < 0.05), compared with PKEP1 and PKRP. We further found the ratio of operation time to prostate volume(çrsç = 0.630, P < 0.001), and the ratio of operation time to enucleation weight(çrsç = 0.540, P < 0.001) were both decreased with the increase of the number of surgical cases. Compared with preoperative results, postoperative 3-month IPSS, QOL and RUV decreased, while Qmax increased in the 3 groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In terms of surgical safety and efficacy, skilled PKEP was comparable with PKRP, in addition it is superior to PKRP in operation time and enucleation weight.