bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Abundance and Types of Microplastics in Surface Waters of River Sabaki Estuary, Kenya
Authors: Kamau Moses , Tole Mwakio , Muti Simon Mbuvi 
Published: November 2024

Increased demand for plastics has resulted in the generation of plastic waste, which poses a threat to the environment in general, and ultimately the marine environment. Estuaries and deltas are the main filters of marine ecosystem pollutants from inland sources. There have been limited studies on temporal variations in microplastic (MP) pollutants in tropical estuaries of Africa. In 2022, a twelve-month sampling survey study was conducted at Sabaki river estuary, in Kenya. A bucket was used to collect water samples, that were sieved through a 225μm sieve. A stereo microscope was used to identify microplastics and their polymer confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. Data analysis on seasonal difference in abundance of microplastics in surface waters was performed using Minitab software at α ≤ 0.05. The results indicated that the April-June (A-J) long rains season had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of MPs due to rainfall runoff, compared to other seasons, namely January –March (J-M), July-October (J-O) and November –December (N-D). The (J-M), (J-O) and (N-D) seasons had similar levels of MPs, which were lower compared to those observed during (A-J) long rains season by 44.3%, 54% and 25% respectively, compared to the highest concentration of 264 MPs m-3 observed during the A-J season. Fragments type of MPs were higher during the wet season, while fiber type of MPs dominated during the dry season. Film and form type of MPs were least abundant. Seasons significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced distribution of the different sizes of MPs. Small and medium sized category of MPs occurred and dominated during the dry season, while larger particles dominated during the wet season. Seven (7) differently colored MPs were observed during the study. White colored MPs were most prevalent (33%), followed by blue (23%), black (17%), brown (12%), yellow (5%), red (5%), and green (4%). Five types of plastic polymers were found in surface waters of river Sabaki estuary, namely polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).
(RE) CONSTRUINDO A CIÊNCIA: BASES COMUNS DO PROJETO EPISTÊMICO FEMINISTA
Authors: Decol Jocieli 
Published: November 2024

A partir de distintas perspectivas, teóricas feministas têm nos mostrado como a ciência é moldada por valores e pelo contexto histórico-social, desvelando, assim, o mito da neutralidade científica e abrindo espaço para a construção de um novo projeto epistêmico. Dentro desta temática, o objetivo central desta pesquisa é contribuir para a compreensão teórica acerca da dimensão epistêmica dos estudos feministas de gênero e ciência. Para isso, analisamos alguns conceitos basilares da Epistemologia Feminista – a saber, ‘conhecimento situado’, de Donna Haraway, ‘objetividade forte’, de Sandra Harding, e ‘objetividade como processo social’, de Helen Longino – com vistas a identificar pontos comuns que estruturam este debate e que podem ser apontados como organizadores de um projeto de (re) construção da ciência ancorado no feminismo.
Photosynthetic Regulatory Mechanisms for Efficiency and Prevention of Photo‐Oxidative Stress
Authors: Roach Thomas , Krieger‐Liszkay Anja 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Regulatory mechanisms of photosynthesis affecting light capture, the efficiency of electron transport, and the distribution between linear and alternative electron transport routes are needed to balance energy input with metabolic demands. Rapid fluctuations in light intensity lead transiently to absorption of excess light energy, requiring immediate regulation, whereas adverse environmental conditions over longer‐term require acclimation responses. In either case, excitation of photosynthetic pigments beyond metabolic demand and unpoised electron transfer reactions can lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the one hand, ROS damage the photosynthetic machinery and other macro‐molecules, such as thylakoid membranes, contributing to photo‐oxidative stress. On the other hand, ROS are needed for acclimation responses since they affect the expression level of responsive genes, as well as exert direct and indirect effects on redox‐regulated processes in the chloroplast. In this article, we introduce the photosynthetic complexes, step‐by‐step and focus on the regulatory mechanisms required to enable photosynthetic efficiency and control levels of ROS production. Finally, we shortly describe the roles of chloroplast‐derived ROS in the short‐term modulation of photosynthesis and the longer‐term acclimation to light stress. Differences in regulatory mechanisms amongst the diversity of Viridiplantae (i.e. green algae to plants) are described.
Agrobiodiversity of Vegetable Crops: Aspect, Needs, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Signore Angelo , Renna Massimiliano , Santamaria Pietro 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Agrobiodiversity represents biodiversity of the agro‐ecosystems, and it plays a fundamental role in maintaining the resilience of crops. Vegetables are an important commodity with diversity at several levels such as organ consumed, grade of transformation after harvesting, etc. However, the modern cultivars, by decreasing their agrobiodiversity exhibit, reduced resilience to pests and climatic changes and may, in several cases, show lower levels of bioactive compounds. Moreover, agrobiodiversity should not be evaluated
per se
, but also the underlying services beneath it should be carefully taken into account. To overcome such problems, a reappraisal of agrobiodiversity is essential, as it allows the ‘genetic bottleneck’ induced by modern varieties to be expanded and an increased range of vegetable products made available. In this article, after some considerations of the importance of vegetables and their distribution across the world, we discuss how agrobiodiversity has decreased, mainly due to the adoption of modern varieties, and suggest some innovative use of ‘novel’ vegetable products with an added value for human health and wellness.
High Spatial Resolution Profiling in Tree Species
Authors: Giacomello Stefania , Delhomme Nicolas , Niittylä Totte , Tuominen Hannele , Street Nathaniel R. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Until recently, the majority of genomics assays have been performed on bulk tissue samples containing multiple cell types. Tissues such as the wood formation zone in trees contain a complex mix of cell types organised in three‐dimensional space. Moreover, cells within the wood formation zone represent a continual developmental progression from meristematic cambial initials through to cell death. This spatiotemporal developmental gradient and cell type information are not assayed by bulk samples. New and improved sampling methods coupled to next‐generation sequencing assays are enabling the generation of high spatial resolution and single‐cell transcriptomics data, offering unprecedented insight into the biology of unique cell types and cell developmental programs. We overview the application of these approaches to the study of wood development, in particular, and highlight challenges associated with the analysis of such data.
Quantitative vibratory sensation measurement is related to sensory cortical thickness in MS
Authors: Fritz Nora E. , Eloyan Ani , Glaister Jeffrey , Dewey Blake E. , Al‐Louzi Omar , Costello M. Gabriela , Chen Min , Prince Jerry L. , Calabresi Peter A. , Zackowski Kathleen M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveVibratory sensation is a quantifiable measure of physical dysfunction and is often related to spinal cord pathology; however, its association with relevant brain areas has not been fully explored. Our objective was to establish a cortical structural substrate for vibration sensation.MethodsEighty‐four individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) (n = 54 relapsing, n = 30 progressive) and 28 controls participated in vibratory sensation threshold quantification at the great toe and a 3T MRI evaluating volume of the thalamus and cortical thickness primary and secondary sensory cortices.ResultsAfter controlling for age, sex, and disability level, vibratory sensation thresholds were significantly related to cortical thickness of the anterior cingulate (P = 0.041), parietal operculum (P = 0.022), and inferior frontal gyrus pars operculum (P = 0.044), pars orbitalis (P = 0.007), and pars triangularis (P = 0.029). Within the progressive disease subtype, there were significant relationships between vibratory sensation and thalamic volume (P = 0.039) as well as reduced inferior frontal gyrus pars operculum (P = 0.014) and pars orbitalis (P = 0.005) cortical thickness.ConclusionsThe data show significant independent relationships between quantitative vibratory sensation and measures of primary and secondary sensory cortices. Quantitative clinical measurement of vibratory sensation reflects pathological changes in spatially distinct brain areas and may supplement information captured by brain atrophy measures. Without overt relapses, monitoring decline in progressive forms of MS has proved challenging; quantitative clinical assessment may provide a tool to examine pathological decline in this cohort. These data suggest that quantitative clinical assessment may be a reliable way to examine pathological decline and have broader relevance to progressive forms of MS.
A Single Polymer Artificial Muscle Having Dual‐Mode Contractibility, Temperature Sensibility, and Trainability through Enthalpy Change
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Hu Jinlian , Zhang Yuanchi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractArtificial muscles (AMs) have high demand in many fields like robotics, medical devices, sensors, and actuators as well as prosthesis. To achieve what a natural muscle can do for humans in AMs, an ideal material should be cheap, soft, and have both isotonic and isometric contractions, high energy density, sensibility, and trainability. However, only a single function of AM, isotonic contraction, is considered in most existing studies, while other critical functions are always neglected. Moreover, current AMs are normally made of either hard metals or polymer composites, or special structures typically twisted coils of thermal expansion polymers. Here a single polymer artificial muscle (SPAM) with natural muscle molecular structures is reported to perform both isotonic and isometric contractions (dual‐mode), where spring structure is similar to titin and semicrystal likes actin. This SPAM can sense the surrounding temperature due to a crystal phase where enthalpy‐battery is installed. Then the trainability is proved by structural evolution which leads to contraction responsive to stimulated conditions with longitudinal strokes higher than 29%, and a specific work up to 473 J kg−1, respectively. This single soft polymer realizes significant multifunctions of an AM without any complicated structure design and composite system.
Recent Trends in Iron‐Catalyzed Reactions towards the Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Sreedevi Radhakrishnan , Saranya Salim , Rohit K. R. , Anilkumar Gopinathan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHeterocycles are generally biologically active compounds and find widespread applications in medicinal chemistry, agricultural science and the fine chemical industry. For the synthesis and functionalization of heterocycles, great efforts have been ascribed over the past decades. The syntheses of heterocyclic compounds are significant due to their diverse biological activity. Recently, iron‐catalyzed reactions have experienced remarkable progress in the synthesis of heterocycles. This review summarizes recent trends in the iron‐catalyzed synthesis of nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds.magnified image
Dramatically Enhanced Ambient Ammonia Electrosynthesis Performance by In‐Operando Created Li–S Interactions on MoS2 Electrocatalyst
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Han Miaomiao , Xiong Qizhong , Zhang Shengbo , Zhao Cuijiao , Gong Wanbing , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin , Zhao Huijun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Haber‐Bosch process can be replaced by the ambient electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) to produce NH3 if suitable electrocatalysts can be developed. However, to develop high performance N2 fixation electrocatalysts, a key issue to be resolved is to achieve efficient hydrogenation of N2 without interference by the thermodynamically favored hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, in‐operando created strong Li–S interactions are reported to empower the S‐rich MoS2 nanosheets with superior NRR catalytic activity and HER suppression ability. The Li+ interactions with S‐edge sites of MoS2 can effectively suppress hydrogen evolution reaction by reducing H* adsorption free energy from 0.03 to 0.47 eV, facilitate N2 adsorption by increasing N2 adsorption free energy from –0.32 to –0.70 eV and enhance electrocatalytic N2 reduction activity by decreasing the activation energy barrier of the reaction control step (*N2 → *N2H) from 0.84 to 0.42 eV. A NH3 yield rate of 43.4 μg h−1 mg−1 MoS2 with a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 9.81% can be achieved in presence of strong Li–S interactions, more than 8 and 18 times by the same electrocatalyst in the absence of Li–S interactions. This report opens a new way to design and develop catalysts and catalysis systems.
Toxicities of CD19 CAR‐T cell immunotherapy
Authors: Hirayama Alexandre V. , Turtle Cameron J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCD19‐targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐modified T (CAR‐T) cell immunotherapy has demonstrated impressive results in B‐cell malignancies, and CAR‐T cell therapies targeting other antigens are in development for other cancers. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity can be life‐threatening in a subset of patients. The severity of CRS and neurotoxicity can be impacted by the disease burden, lymphodepletion regimen, and CAR‐T cell dose. Tocilizumab and corticosteroids have been used to manage these toxicities, enabling CD19 CAR‐T cells to be administered without obvious compromise in efficacy. Consensus criteria for grading and managing toxicities will facilitate the widespread application of this treatment modality.
Histopathological and hematological changes in recurrent nasal polyposis
Authors: Brescia Giuseppe , Alessandrini Lara , Zanotti Claudia , Parrino Daniela , Tealdo Giulia , Torsello Miriam , Zybine Vladislav , Giacomelli Luciano , Barion Umberto , Marioni Gino 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThere is a dearth of information regarding the histological and hematological differences between primary and recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The present study analyzed the histological changes in recurrent CRSwNP in terms of eosinophilic infiltrate, subepithelial edema, goblet cell hyperplasia, and basement membrane thickness. Blood levels of eosinophils and basophils were also measured prior to surgery on both primary and recurrent disease.MethodsThirty‐two consecutive adult patients with nasal polyposis treated with primary surgery who subsequently underwent revision surgery were retrospectively enrolled.ResultsAt primary surgery, a significant positive correlation (all p < 0.05) emerged between all histopathological parameters, and between tissue eosinophil and blood eosinophil counts. A positive correlation between subepithelial edema scores and blood basophil levels (p < 0.025) also came to light. At revision surgery, only basement membrane thickness correlated positively with: (1) tissue eosinophil count; and (2) goblet cell hyperplasia (both p = 0.001). In recurrent disease, there was again a positive correlation between eosinophil counts in tissue and blood (p < 0.05). The mean tissue eosinophil count in recurrent CRSwNP was significantly lower than in the primary disease (p < 0.001).ConclusionOur preliminary results support the hypothesis that tissue remodeling due to surgical and medical treatments for CRSwNP is a dynamic process involving important differences in tissue eosinophil counts between primary and recurrent CRSwNP. How tissue remodeling evolves after CRSwNP treatment warrants further investigation, not only in larger series of patients, but also after stratifying patients by the time elapsing since their treatment.
Orthotopic induction of CH157MN convexity and skull base meningiomas into nude mice using stereotactic surgery and MRI characterization
Authors: La Cava Francesca , Fringuello Mingo Alberto , Irrera Pietro , Di Vito Aldo , Cordaro Alessia , Brioschi Chiara , Colombo Serra Sonia , Cabella Claudia , Terreno Enzo , Miragoli Luigi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMeningioma in vivo research is hampered by the difficulty of establishing an easy and reproducible orthotopic model able to mimic the characteristics of a human meningioma. Moreover, leptomeningeal dissemination and high mortality are often associated with such orthotopical models, making them useless for clinical translation studies. An optimized method for inducing meningiomas in nude mice at two different sites is described in this paper and the high reproducibility and low mortality of the models are demonstrated. Skull base meningiomas were induced in the auditory meatus and convexity meningiomas were induced on the brain surface of 23 and 24 nude mice, respectively. Both models led to the development of a mass easily observable by imaging methods. Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI was used as a tool to monitor and characterize the pathology onset and progression. At the end of the study, histology was performed to confirm the neoplastic origin of the diseased mass.
Osteocyte viability and bone density in cadmium chloride‐induced osteoporosis ameliorated with Pilostigma thonningii stem bark‐extracted D‐3‐O‐methy‐chiroinositol
Authors: Uwagie‐Ero Edwin Aihanuwa , Abiaezute Clifford Nwabugwu , Nwaehujor Chinaka O. , Nnaji Theophilus Okafor , Odigie Eugene Amienwanlen , Ekeolu Oyetunde Kazeem , Ocheja Ohiemi Benjamin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the ameliorative effect of D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol, isolated from the stem bark of Piliostigma thonningii, on cadmium chloride‐induced osteoporosis in male Wistar rats.MethodsThirty‐six rats were assigned to three treatment groups (n = 12). Group A (2 mL distilled water), group B: (2.5 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2) and group C: (2.5 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2 and D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol 2 mg/kg b.w.). Bone ash, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and zinc content, as well as bone histological changes were determined at the end of months 1, 2, and 3.ResultsThere were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the weight of the cervical, tibia, and femoral bones in all groups. The serum concentration of CdCl2 was significantly different across the three groups with time. There was significant variation (P < 0.005) in the mean bone ash across groups. The concentration of OH‐proline was significantly different (P < 0.0001) across groups. There were significant differences (P < 0.0001) in bone calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus concentrations. Histology revealed high levels of bone mineralisation in the CdCl2‐treated group, indicative of osteoporosis with hypertrophied osteocytes, while the femur of Wistar rats treated with D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol showed bone trabeculae and viable osteocytes.ConclusionThe study concluded that D‐3‐O‐methyl‐chiroinositol extract from Piliostigma thionningii stem bark ameliorated cadmium chloride‐induced osteoporosis in male Wistar rats.
Homocysteine and small vessel stroke: A mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Larsson Susanna C. , Traylor Matthew , Markus Hugh S. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTrials of B vitamin therapy to lower blood total homocysteine (tHcy) levels for prevention of stroke are inconclusive. Secondary analyses of trial data and epidemiological studies suggest that tHcy levels may be particularly associated with small vessel stroke (SVS). We assessed whether circulating tHcy and B vitamin levels are selectively associated with SVS, but not other stroke subtypes, using Mendelian randomization.MethodsWe used summary statistics data for single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with tHcy (n = 18), folate (n = 3), vitamin B6 (n = 1), and vitamin B12 (n = 14) levels, and the corresponding data for stroke from the MEGASTROKE consortium (n = 16,952 subtyped ischemic stroke cases and 404,630 noncases).ResultsGenetically predicted tHcy was associated with SVS, with an odds ratio of 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.58; p = 6.7 × 10–4) per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in genetically predicted tHcy levels, but was not associated with large artery or cardioembolic stroke. The association was mainly driven by SNPs at or near the MTHFR and MUT genes. The odds ratios of SVS per 1 SD increase in genetically predicted folate and vitamin B6 levels were 0.49 (95% CI, 0.34–0.71; p = 1.3 × 10–4) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.52–0.94; p = 0.02), respectively. Genetically higher vitamin B12 levels were not associated with any stroke subtype.InterpretationThese findings suggest that any effect of homocysteine‐lowering treatment in preventing stroke will be confined to the SVS subtype. Whether genetic variants at or near the MTHFR and MUT genes influence SVS risk through pathways other than homocysteine levels and downstream effects require further investigation. Ann Neurol 2019;85:495–501
Superelectrophilicity of 1,2‐Azaborine: Formation of Xenon and Carbon Monoxide Adducts
Authors: Edel Klara , Ishibashi Jacob S. A. , Liu Shih‐Yuan , Bettinger Holger F. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe BN analogue of ortho‐benzyne, 1,2‐azaborine, is shown to bind carbon monoxide and a xenon atom under matrix isolation conditions, demonstrating its strongly Lewis acidic superelectrophilic nature. The Lewis acid–base complexes involving CO and Xe can be cleaved photochemically and reformed by mildly annealing the matrices. The interaction energy of 1,2‐azaborine with Xe is 3 kcal mol−1 according to quantum chemical computations, and is similar to that of the superelectrophilic carbene difluorovinylidene.
A novel nano‐size lanthanum metal–organic framework based on 5‐amino‐isophthalic acid and phenylenediamine: Photoluminescence study and sensing applications
Authors: Sheta Sheta M. , El‐Sheikh Said M. , Abd‐Elzaher Mohkles M. , Wassel Ahmed R. 
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a novel lanthanum metal–organic framework La‐MOF was prepared via hydrothermal and reflux methods. The La‐MOF was achieved through the reaction of a 5‐amino‐isophthalic acid with 1, 2‐phenylenediamine and lanthanum chloride. The prepared La‐MOF structure was confirmed by XRD, mass spectrometry, IR, UV–Vis and elemental analysis, whereas the size, and morphology was examined by FE‐SEM/EDX and HR‐TEM. The results indicated that the La‐MOF prepared via both methods have the same structure and composition. Meanwhile, the MOF yield, reaction time, morphology, physiochemical and sensing properties were highly depended on the used preparation method. The photoluminescence (PL) study was carried out for the La‐MOF, and the results showed that La‐MOF exhibits strong emission at 558 nm after excitation at 369 nm. Moreover, the PL data indicating that the La‐MOF has highly selective sensing properties for iron (III) competing with different metal ions. The Stern‐Völmer graph shows a linear calibration curve which achieved over a concentration range 1.0–500 μM of Fe3+ with a correlation coefficient, detection, and quantitation limits 0.998, 1.35 μM and 4.08 μM, respectively. According to the remarkable quenching of the PL intensity of La‐MOF using various concentrations of Fe3+, it was successfully used as a sensor for Fe3+detecting in different water resources (pure and waste) samples. The quenching mechanism was studied and it has a dynamic type and due to efficient energy transfer between the La‐MOF and Fe3+.