bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of seed rain, seed bank, and clonal growth in plant colonization of ancient and restored grasslands
Authors: Kapás Rozália E. , Kimberley Adam , Cousins Sara A. O. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the establishment of plant species is important to inform management of restored grasslands and to preserve biodiversity in ancient grasslands. In grassland communities, plant species can establish from seeds arriving via spatial dispersal, from seeds in the soil seed bank or through vegetative spread from nearby source individuals. However, this colonization potential and the likelihood of species establishment can vary in grasslands with different land‐use history. We investigated the relative importance of local species recruitment sources, such as dispersal in space and time and species presence in adjacent grasslands, in determining establishment of plant species in eight grasslands with different land‐use history (paired ancient grasslands continuously managed as pasture vs. restored grasslands on former forest). At each grassland, we established plots (0.25 m2) to monitor seedling emergence from seed dispersal, seed bank, and recorded clonal growth over two growing periods. We found that the likelihood of species establishment was highest from local seed rain, and that species present in the local species pool were more able to germinate and establish in both type of grasslands. Species from the seed bank and clonal growth contributed to a lesser extent to species establishment, but represented a greater proportion of the recolonization and regeneration of species in ancient grasslands. These results demonstrate that surrounding grasslands serve as a source for colonizing species and that dispersal from the adjacent grasslands is the key process in regeneration and colonization of plants. These results imply that the recovery of grasslands depends heavily upon to links to species source in grasslands, especially in restored grasslands. Therefore, management plans should incorporate rotational livestock grazing and larger networks of grassland in restoration efforts, which will enable to desirable species to establish and persist in grasslands.
Detection of residual T7 RNA polymerase used in mRNA in vitro transcription by Simple Western
Authors: Shieh Yvonne , Swartz Andrew R. , Rustandi Richard R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTherapeutic messenger RNA (mRNA) has been demonstrated as a scalable and versatile vaccine platform for the rapid development and manufacture of new vaccine candidates. mRNA is synthesized enzymatically through in vitro transcription (IVT) using bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP), a 99 kDa protein with high binding affinity for the promoter sequence and a low error rate. Post‐IVT, mRNA is purified to remove impurities, but if T7 RNAP is insufficiently cleared, undesirable clinical side effects may result. Therefore, it is important to quantitate T7 RNAP concentrations in IVT and process intermediates to understand clearance during downstream purification. A high‐throughput T7 RNAP assay was developed using Simple Western (SW), a capillary immunoassay technology, to quantitate concentrations as low as 5.3 ng/mL with good precision and accuracy. Compared to existing T7 RNAP immunoassays or total protein assays such as bicinchoninic acid assays or Bradford, the SW T7 RNAP assay is specific to T7 RNAP, requires <10 µL of sample volume, and consists of minimal sample handling and hands‐on time. This work highlights the development and optimization of a highly sensitive and robust T7 RNAP quantitation assay using the SW platform.
Experimental investigation on the effects of natural convection on cylindrical LiFePO4 battery module for energy storage application
Authors: P. Jayapradha , Barik Debabrata 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe experiments with a LiFePO4 battery pack operating at room temperature and with various charge and discharge rates to analyze its durability are described in this study. At a temperature of 23°C with natural convection, the thermal performance of a cylindrical (LFP) battery is experimentally studied. In this study, the battery is fully charged. After reaching 14.6 V, the battery is charged at a current of 4.8 A for 10 min to allow for stabilization. The battery is then depleted at 4.8 A until its voltage hits 10.5 V, followed by an additional 10‐min resting time. The processes reached their highest and lowest temperatures, respectively, were 29°C and 22°C. The battery is charged for a total of 46.877 Ampere‐hours (Ah) during the course of the 10‐h operation at a constant current of 4.8 A. Similar to this, a 10‐h discharge operation is carried out with a constant current of 4.8 A, yielding a discharge of 47.207 Ah. The processes reached their highest and lowest temperatures, respectively, were 36°C and 24°C. Another possibility is to charge the battery at a steady 24 A until the voltage reaches 14.6 V, then let it rest for 10 min, a further 10‐min rest period is added after it is discharged at 24 A until its voltage hits 10.5 V. After 5 h of charging at 24 A, the capacity is 46.958 Ah, and after 5 h and 47.51 min of discharging at 24 A, the capacity is 47 Ah. The processes reached their highest and lowest temperatures, respectively, were 49°C and 33°C.
Rapid discovery of three umami crab peptides from Eriocheir sinensis by virtual hydrolysis and LC–MS/MS
Authors: Pei Yiqiao , Xu Yujie , Li Yi , Wang Tianxin , He Zouyan , Liu Jianhui , Zhang Ye , Wang Hao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTraditionally, Eriocheir sinensis elicits wide distribution, easy accessibility, and unique taste, but the low comprehensive utilization restricts its application. The present study aimed to extract and identify peptides from the defective E. sinensis and analyze the umami mechanism of crab peptides. Virtual hydrolysis showed that protein hydrolysate prepared by the dual enzyme combination (papain and alkaline protease) had high hydrolysis degrees and umami fragments, which was consistent with the actual hydrolysis results. The three strong‐flavoring crab peptides (AADESERM, SDEERMDAL, and EERAESGES) were screened by umami prediction and amino acid sequence analysis, and the umami profiles with thresholds ranged 0.0625–0.250 mg/mL determined by sensory evaluation and electronic tongue. The AADESERM had the highest umami enhancement effect. Besides, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation revealed that all the three crab peptides bound stably to the active cavity of T1R1. Asp147, His71, Ala302, Cys106, and Lys379 were the crucial binding sites for umami presentation. This study was accurately identifying umami crab peptides from defective E. sinensis based on pre‐virtual hydrolysis. It will reduce the wastage of crab resources and further provide support for the high‐value utilization.
Integrating sustainable development goals in China's education curriculum: Analysis and future directions
Authors: Yuan Xinqun , Yu Le 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper analyses the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the revisions of China's primary, secondary and high school curriculum standards. Employing a word frequency analysis of SDGs‐related keywords across ten disciplines, the study reveals an increasing trend in SDGs integration, particularly in Physical Education and Health, and Biology, but notes a lack of growth in the Arts discipline. Key findings include the widespread presence of SDG3 (Good Health and Well‐being) and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), with a notable absence of SDG5 (Gender Equality) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This study suggests enhancing SDGs coverage in Arts education, broadening the scope to include underrepresented SDGs and promoting a balanced integration of all SDGs across disciplines. It emphasizes the critical role of Geography Education in addressing global challenges and advocates for interdisciplinary teaching methods. The study highlights the importance of regular assessment in curriculum standards to ensure effective SDGs integration, aiming to align China's educational framework with global developmental objectives for a sustainable future.
Macrophage GIT1 promotes oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and remyelination after spinal cord injury
Authors: Liu Hao , Yi Jiang , Zhang Chenxi , Li Yin , Wang Qian , Wang Shenyu , Dai Siming , Zheng Ziyang , Jiang Tao , Gao Peng , Xue Ao , Huang Zhenfei , Kong Fanqi , Wang Yongxiang , He Baorong , Guo Xiaodong , Li Qingqing , Chen Jian , Yin Guoyong , Zhao Shujie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) can result in severe motor and sensory deficits, for which currently no effective cure exists. The pathological process underlying this injury is extremely complex and involves many cell types in the central nervous system. In this study, we have uncovered a novel function for macrophage G protein‐coupled receptor kinase‐interactor 1 (GIT1) in promoting remyelination and functional repair after SCI. Using GIT1flox/flox Lyz2‐Cre (GIT1 CKO) mice, we identified that GIT1 deficiency in macrophages led to an increased generation of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα), reduced proportion of mature oligodendrocytes (mOLs), impaired remyelination, and compromised functional recovery in vivo. These effects in GIT1 CKO mice were reversed with the administration of soluble TNF inhibitor. Moreover, bone marrow transplantation from GIT1 CWT mice reversed adverse outcomes in GIT1 CKO mice, further indicating the role of macrophage GIT1 in modulating spinal cord injury repair. Our in vitro experiments showed that macrophage GIT1 plays a critical role in secreting TNFα and influences the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) after stimulation with myelin debris. Collectively, our data uncovered a new role of macrophage GIT1 in regulating the transformation of OPCs into mOLs, essential for functional remyelination after SCI, suggesting that macrophage GIT1 could be a promising treatment target of SCI.
Deficient brain GABA metabolism leads to widespread impairments of astrocyte and oligodendrocyte function
Authors: Andersen Jens V. , Marian Oana C. , Qvist Filippa L. , Westi Emil W. , Aldana Blanca I. , Schousboe Arne , Don Anthony S. , Skotte Niels H. , Wellendorph Petrine 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe neurometabolic disorder succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency leads to great neurochemical imbalances and severe neurological manifestations. The cause of the disease is loss of function of the enzyme SSADH, leading to impaired metabolism of the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Despite the known identity of the enzymatic deficit, the underlying pathology of SSADH deficiency remains unclear. To uncover new mechanisms of the disease, we performed an untargeted integrative analysis of cerebral protein expression, functional metabolism, and lipid composition in a genetic mouse model of SSADH deficiency (ALDH5A1 knockout mice). Our proteomic analysis revealed a clear regional vulnerability, as protein alterations primarily manifested in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of the ALDH5A1 knockout mice. These regions displayed aberrant expression of proteins linked to amino acid homeostasis, mitochondria, glial function, and myelination. Stable isotope tracing in acutely isolated brain slices demonstrated an overall maintained oxidative metabolism of glucose, but a selective decrease in astrocyte metabolic activity in the cerebral cortex of ALDH5A1 knockout mice. In contrast, an elevated capacity of oxidative glutamine metabolism was observed in the ALDH5A1 knockout brain, which may serve as a neuronal compensation of impaired astrocyte glutamine provision. In addition to reduced expression of critical oligodendrocyte proteins, a severe depletion of myelin‐enriched sphingolipids was found in the brains of ALDH5A1 knockout mice, suggesting degeneration of myelin. Altogether, our study highlights that impaired astrocyte and oligodendrocyte function is intimately linked to SSADH deficiency pathology, suggesting that selective targeting of glial cells may hold therapeutic potential in this disease.
Prenatal exposure to particulate matter and infant birth outcomes: Evidence from a population‐wide database
Authors: Jahanshahi Babak , Johnston Brian , McGovern Mark E. , McVicar Duncan , O’Reilly Dermot , Rowland Neil , Vlachos Stavros 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThere are growing concerns about the impact of pollution on maternal and infant health. Despite an extensive correlational literature, observational studies which adopt methods that seek to address potential biases due to unmeasured confounders draw mixed conclusions. Using a population database of births in Northern Ireland (NI) linked to localized geographic information on pollution in mothers' postcodes (zipcodes) of residence during pregnancy, we examine whether prenatal exposure to PM2.5is associated with a comprehensive range of birth outcomes, including placental health. Overall, we find little evidence that particulate matter is related to infant outcomes at the pollution levels experienced in NI, once we implement a mother fixed effects approach that accounts for time‐invariant factors. This contrasts with strong associations in models that adjust for observed confounders but without fixed effects. While reducing ambient air pollution remains an urgent public health priority globally, our results imply that further improvements in short‐run levels of prenatal PM2.5exposure in a relatively low‐pollution, higher‐income country context, are unlikely to impact on birth outcomes at the population level.
Nonlinear storage–discharge dynamics of forested headwater catchment: A hysteresis index approach
Authors: Nanda Aliva , Safeeq Mohammad 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe relationship between catchment storage and discharge is nonlinear. The dynamicity of this relationship is dependent on the distance of the storage measurement from the stream, the depth of the soil moisture (SM) measurement, antecedent SM storage, and precipitation characteristics. Understanding the relative influence of these factors is critical for interpreting runoff generation processes and predicting discharge. In this study, we used a hysteresis index approach and analysed the nonlinear dynamics of catchment storage–discharge relationship across points, hillslope and catchment scales, and their controlling factors. A small headwater forested catchment located in the southern part of the Sierra Nevada region, California, was selected as a case study. In this Mediterranean catchment, the anticlockwise class IV hysteresis loop, indicating an earlier discharge peak than SM, was observed as a prevalent hysteresis class across all the scales, irrespective of seasons (i.e., dry vs. wet) and years (i.e., normal vs. drought). A few clockwise hysteresis loops were observed at the shallow depths (10 and 30 cm) of upslope and lower slope topographic positions. Further, we found a shorter lag time between SM peak to discharge peak at 60 and 90 cm soil depths during the wet season, and during the drought period. The shorter lag at the deeper depth was due to the presence of subsurface flow during high antecedent SM storage conditions and preferential flow through the soil pores during the drought periods. The variability in hysteresis at catchment and hillslope scales was controlled by peak rainfall intensity and antecedent SM storage. However, rainfall characteristics (intensity and depth) were major governing factors for most of the point scale locations. Overall, the current study highlighted the role of SM sensor's location in characterizing storage–discharge behaviour.
Inhibition of the Rho/MRTF pathway improves the response of BRAF‐resistant melanoma to PD1/PDL1 blockade
Authors: Foda Bardees M. , Misek Sean A. , Gallo Kathleen A. , Neubig Richard R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMetastatic cutaneous melanoma is a fatal skin cancer. Resistance to targeted and immune therapies limits the benefits of current treatments. Identifying and adding anti‐resistance agents to current treatment protocols can potentially improve clinical responses. Myocardin‐related transcription factor (MRTF) is a transcriptional coactivator whose activity is indirectly regulated by actin and the Rho family of GTPases. We previously demonstrated that development of BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) resistance frequently activates the Rho/MRTF pathway in human and mouse BRAFV600E melanomas. In clinical trials, pretreatment with BRAFi reduces the benefit of immune therapies. We aimed to test the efficacy of concurrent treatment with our MRTF pathway inhibitor CCG‐257081 and anti‐PD1 in vivo and to examine its effects on the melanoma immune microenvironment. Because MRTF pathway activation upregulates the expression of immune checkpoint inhibitor genes/proteins, we asked whether CCG‐257081 can improve the response to immune checkpoint blockade. CCG‐257081 reduced the expression of PDL1 in BRAFi‐resistant melanoma cells and decreased surface PDL1 levels on both BRAFi‐sensitive and ‐resistant melanoma cells. Using our recently described murine vemurafenib‐resistant melanoma model, we found that CCG‐257081, in combination with anti‐PD1 immune therapy, reduced tumor growth and increased survival. Moreover, anti‐PD1/CCG‐257081 co‐treatment increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells and B cells into the tumor microenvironment and reduced tumor‐associated macrophages. Here, we propose CCG‐257081 as an anti‐resistance and immune therapy‐enhancing anti‐melanoma agent.
Precise diagnosis of cardiac‐cerebral vascular diseases with magnetic resonance imaging‐based nanoprobes
Authors: Li Wenyue , Zhang Ruru , Zhang Xinyi , Wu Shuai , Ma Tiancong , Hou Yi , Zeng Jianfeng , Gao Mingyuan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCardiac‐cerebral vascular diseases (CCVDs) are acknowledged as a major threat to public health, leading to more than one‐third of all deaths worldwide. The complex anatomical structure and immune features of blood vessels significantly affect the development of CCVDs, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is one of the main diagnostic approaches for the accurate diagnosis and prognosis of CCVDs. However, MRA suffers from intrinsic problems derived from its blood flow‐dependency, and the clinical Gd‐chelating contrast agents are limited by their rapid vascular extravasation. Over the past decade, spurred on by nanoscience and nanotechnology, numerous contrast agents based on magnetic nanomaterials have been developed to enhance the contrast of MRA, with these including iron oxide nanoparticles, rare earth‐doped nanoparticles, and metal‐organic coordination polymers. The molecular MR imaging of vasculopathy using specific nanoprobes has been explored to obtain a better understanding of the molecular aspects of CCVDs. In this review, the state of the art in MRA nanoprobes is introduced, and recent achievements in the diagnosis of CCVDs using MR imaging are summarized. Additionally, the future prospects and limitations of MRA based on nanoprobes are discussed. The current review provides methodological designs and ideas for subsequent MRA nanoprobes.
Sarcopenic obesity and health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta‐analysis
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Ragusa Francesco Saverio , Pegreffi Francesco , Dominguez Ligia J. , Barbagallo Mario , Zanetti Michela , Cereda Emanuele 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMany studies support the idea that sarcopenic obesity (SO) could be considered a potential risk factor for negative health outcomes. These results have been inconsistent, and no umbrella reviews exist regarding this topic. Several databases until November 2023 were searched for systematic reviews with meta‐analysis of observational studies (cross‐sectional, case–control and prospective). For each association, random‐effects summary effect sizes with correspondent 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated using the GRADE tool. Among the 213 papers initially screened, nine systematic reviews with meta‐analysis were included, for a total of 384 710 participants. In cross‐sectional and case–control studies, 30 different outcomes were analysed, and 18 were statistically significant. In any population addressed in cross‐sectional and case–control studies, compared with non‐SO, SO increased the prevalence of cognitive impairment (k = 3; odds ratio [OR] = 3.46; 95% CI: 2.24–5.32; high certainty of evidence), coronary artery disease (k = 2; OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.85–3.31) and dyslipidaemia (k = 3; OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.51–4.15). When compared with sarcopenia or obesity, the results were conflicting. In prospective studies, the association between SO—compared with non‐SO—and other negative outcomes was supported by low/very low certainty of evidence and limited to a few conditions. Besides, no comparison with sarcopenia or obesity was provided. Finally, only a few studies have considered muscle function/physical performance in the diagnostic workup. SO could be considered a risk factor only for a few conditions, with the literature mainly based on cross‐sectional and case–control studies. Future studies with clear definitions of SO are needed for quantifying the importance of SO—particularly when compared with the presence of only sarcopenia or obesity—and the weight of muscle function/physical performance in its definition.
Concentration of betanin from model beetroot extracts by using nanofiltration: parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Tiwari Ashwani Kumar , Jain Manish 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDNowadays, research focusing on natural compounds is getting more importance across the globe. Recently, natural bioactive compounds have gained the attention of researchers as a consequence of their exemplary physicochemical properties and exceptional utility in the food and pharma industries. However, separating and concentrating these bioactive compounds from their origin sources still poses a considerable challenge to their profitable commercial usage. The current study focuses on the application of a facile nanofiltration method for recovering betanin from model beetroot extract solutions using a polyamide nanofiltration membrane. Furthermore, the three‐parameter Spiegler–Kedem model was used to determine the transport parameters of the membrane and theoretically predict the performance of the membrane. Additionally, variance‐based sensitivity analysis methods were deployed to study the sensitivity of different operating and membrane transport parameters.RESULTThe results indicate that the membrane exhibited the highest rejection of 99% and permeate flux of 3.14 ⨯ 10−5 m3 m−2 s−1 at 0.6 MPa pressure and 600 mL min−1 flow rate. The data obtained through the Spiegler–Kedem model were coherent with the experimental observations. Simulations on sensitivity analysis revealed that specific hydraulic permeability and cross‐membrane pressure majorly influence permeate flux and rejection.CONCLUSIONThis study showed that nanofiltration with 150 Da cut‐off membranes effectively concentrated betanin with 99% rejection. Higher cross‐membrane pressure and higher feed flow rates were preferable operating conditions for higher rejections. Variance‐based sensitivity analysis showed that cross‐membrane pressure and hydraulic permeability are the most influential parameters affecting permeate flux and rejection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).