bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topography and canopy cover influence soil organic carbon composition and distribution across a forested hillslope in the discontinuous permafrost zone
Authors: Rooney Erin C. , Bailey Vanessa L. , Patel Kaizad F. , Kholodov Alexander , Golightly Holly , Lybrand Rebecca A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTopography and canopy cover influence ground temperature in warming permafrost landscapes, yet soil temperature heterogeneity introduced by mesotopographic slope positions, microtopographic differences in vegetation cover, and the subsequent impact of contrasting temperature conditions on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics are understudied. Buffering of permafrost‐affected soils against warming air temperatures in boreal forests can reflect surface soil characteristics (e.g., thickness of organic material) as well as the degree and type of canopy cover (e.g., open cover vs. closed cover). Both landscape and soil properties interact to determine meso‐ and microscale heterogeneity of ground warming. We sampled a hillslope catena transect in a discontinuous permafrost zone near Fairbanks, Alaska, to test the small‐scale (1 to 3 m) impacts of slope position and cover type on soil organic matter composition. Mineral active layer samples were collected from backslope, low backslope, and footslope positions at depths spanning 19 to 60 cm. We examined soil mineralogical composition, soil moisture, total carbon and nitrogen content, and organic mat thickness in conjunction with an assessment of SOC composition using Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS). Soils in the footslope position had a higher relative contribution of lignin‐like compounds, whereas backslope soils had more aliphatic and condensed aromatic compounds as determined using FT‐ICR‐MS. The effect of open versus closed tree canopy cover varied with the slope position. On the backslope, we found higher oxidation of molecules under open cover than closed cover, indicating an effect of warmer soil temperature on decomposition. Little to no effect of the canopy was observed in soils at the footslope position, which we attributed, in part, to the strong impact of soil moisture content in SOC dynamics in the water‐gathering footslope position. The thin organic mat under open cover on the backslope position may have contributed to differences in soil temperature and thus SOC oxidation under open and closed canopies. Here, the thinner organic mat did not appear to buffer the underlying soil against warm season air temperatures and thus increased SOC decomposition as indicated by the higher oxidation of SOC molecules and a lower contribution of simple molecules under open cover than the closed canopy sites. Our findings suggest that the role of canopy cover in SOC dynamics varies as a function of landscape position and soil properties, namely, organic mat thickness and soil moisture. Condition‐specific heterogeneity of SOC composition under open and closed canopy cover highlights the protective effect of canopy cover for soils on backslope positions.
Clinical features of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with pulmonary complications in childhood: A retrospective study
Authors: Luo Xue qin , Luo Jian , Wang Chong jie , Luo Zheng xiu , Tian Dai yin , Xie Xiao hong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionIncidence of severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) reported in China has been increasing over the last decade. We aimed to evaluate the clinical features of pediatric SMPP with pulmonary complications, according to laboratory tests and chest radiographic resolution patterns.Material and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 93 SMPP patients between January 2016 and February 2019, and grouped them by pneumonia pattern: pulmonary complications (63 patients) and extensive lung lesions without pulmonary complications (30 patients).ResultsSMPP patients with pleural effusion (medium or large) and necrotizing pneumonia showed longer duration of fever, high serum value of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), d‐dimer, and LDH to albumin ratio (LAR). LAR and
d‐dimer were associated with moderate or massive pleural effusion, and
d‐dimer was associated with lung necrosis. The average time of radiographic resolution in the pulmonary complication group was 12 weeks, while those with elevated d‐dimer were significantly more likely to have longer time for radiographic clearance.ConclusionWe conclude that M. pneumoniae pneumonia in patients with pleural effusion (medium or large) or lung necrosis was more severe than those without pulmonary complications. LAR and
d‐dimer might be used as parameters to identify children susceptible to pleural effusion (medium or large) or lung necrosis, and longer time for radiographic clearance among pediatric patients of SMPP.
Important safety considerations for arrangement of flammable storage tanks: Thermal radiation effects with meteorological conditions
Authors: Lee Sung‐Kyu , Lim Jae‐Yong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe examine the effects of thermal radiation on the meteorological conditions and layout of flammable liquid storage tanks. Currently, the separation distances between the tanks are dictated by regulations to prevent the domino effect of fire accidents. Although thermal radiation leads to the domino effect, it is questionable whether thermal radiation is considered in the current Korean regulations. In this study, three cases—one based on a regulation and two others associated with meteorological conditions—are considered, for which the radiation effects and tank layouts are calculated. A software program and an optimization algorithm, namely ALOHA and sequential least‐squares programming, respectively, are employed for hazard analysis and optimization, respectively. The results indicate that the current regulation is appropriate under normal meteorological conditions but may not ensure prevention of the domino effect under the worst conditions.
Dual role of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi: induce plant growth and control tomato leafminer Phthorimaea absoluta
Authors: Zheng Yaqiang , Liu Yonglan , Zhang Jinyi , Liu Xiaolong , Ju Zhigang , Shi Hongxi , Mendoza‐Mendoza Artemio , Zhou Wenwu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDEntomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are multifunctional microorganisms acting not only as biopesticides against insect pests but also as endophytes which regulate plant growth. The tomato leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta (Tuta absoluta) is a devastating invasive pest of tomatoes worldwide. However, effective alternatives are needed for a sustainable management of this invasive pest. In this study, the functional effects of five EPF isolates Metarhizium flavoviride, M. anisopliae, M. rileyi, Cordyceps fumosorosea and Beauveria bassiana were evaluated on tomato growth promotion and pest protection against P. absoluta.RESULTSWhen directly sprayed with conidia, P. absoluta larvae showed high cumulative mortality of 100% to M. anisopliae under 1 × 108 conidia/mL, whereas M. flavoviride, B. bassiana, C. fumosorosea and M. rileyi caused cumulative mortality of 92.65%, 92.62%, 92.16% and 68.95%, respectively. Moreover, all five EPF isolates can successfully colonize tomato plants, whilst the colonization rate for each EPF depends on the inoculation method used. The most efficient inoculation method for M. flavoviride and M. rileyi was root dipping, for M. anisopliae and C. fumosorosea it was coating seed, and for B. bassiana it was foliage spraying. The highest plant colonization was obtained by M. flavoviride. Meanwhile, all these isolates promoted tomato plant growth upon inoculation. Furthermore, endophytic colonization of plants by the five EPF negatively affected the performance of P. absoluta, among them M. anisopliae and C. fumosorosea showed strong negative effects on the performance of P. absoluta.CONCLUSIONOur results highlight the potential of incorporating entomopathogenic fungi as endophytes in integrated pest management practices to protect tomatoes against P. absoluta. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessment of spilled toxic bait by wild pigs and potential risk to non‐target species
Authors: Kinsey John C , Foster Justin A , Snow Nathan P , Wishart Jason D , Staples Linton D , Bush Janis K , VerCauteren Kurt C 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn 2018, a sodium nitrite (SN)‐based toxic bait for invasive wild pigs (hereafter wild pigs; Sus scrofa), was evaluated to determine its effectiveness in reducing local wild pig populations in Texas. Localized population reductions of >70% were achieved, but spillage of bait outside wild pig‐specific feeders (bait stations) caused by feeding wild pigs resulted in the deaths of non‐target animals. To evaluate risks to non‐target animals, we tested whether bait presentation influenced the total amount of bait spilled by wild pigs and estimated the associated risk to non‐target species.ResultsWe found that bait spilled outside bait stations could be reduced by >90% when compacted in trays, as opposed to being manually crumbled into pieces. We documented a mean spill rate of 0.913 g of bait per wild pig. Conservative risk assessments for nine non‐target species for which SN toxicity data exist indicate that there is relatively low risk of lethal exposure, apart from zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and white mice. Our results indicate that there may be enough spilled bait per feeding wild pig to kill 9.5 or 3.5 individuals of these species, respectively. Other species assessed range from 0.002 to 0.406 potential mortalities per wild pig.ConclusionWe demonstrated that the amount of bait spilled by wild pigs during feeding and the associated risk to non‐target animals can be minimized by presenting the bait compacted in trays within bait stations. We recommend that baits be tightly compacted and secured in bait stations to minimize risks to non‐target animals from spilled bait by wild pigs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Distributed optimal coordination of uncertain nonlinear multi‐agent systems over unbalanced directed networks via output feedback
Authors: Zhang Jin , Liu Lu , Wang Xinghu , Ji Haibo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this article, a novel observer‐based output feedback control approach is proposed to address the distributed optimal coordination problem of uncertain nonlinear multi‐agent systems in the normal form over unbalanced directed graphs. The main challenges of the concerned problem lie in unbalanced directed graphs and nonlinearities of multi‐agent systems with their agent states not available for feedback control. Based on a two‐layer controller structure, a distributed optimal coordinator is first designed to convert the considered problem into a reference‐tracking problem. Then a decentralized output feedback controller is developed to stabilize the resulting augmented system. A high‐gain observer is exploited in controller design to estimate the agent states in the presence of uncertainties and disturbances so that the proposed controller relies only on agent outputs. The semi‐global convergence of the agent outputs toward the optimal solution that minimizes the sum of all local cost functions is proved under standard assumptions. A key feature of the obtained results is that the nonlinear agents under consideration are only required to be locally Lipschitz and possess globally asymptotically stable and locally exponentially stable zero dynamics.
Secondary school students' responses to epistemic uncertainty during an ecological citizen science inquiry
Authors: Kervinen Anttoni , Aivelo Tuomas 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUncertainty is endemic to scientific research practices; therefore, it is also an important element in learning about science. Studies have shown that experiences and management of uncertainty regarding the epistemic practices of science can support learning. Whereas the common strategies of supporting students in handling uncertainty rely on the teacher knowing the preferred outcomes and answers, few studies have explored settings in which no one can give the right answers to students. In this study, we explore how Finnish, suburban secondary school students (aged 13–14 years) respond to epistemic uncertainty during an ecological citizen science inquiry, in which the aim is to produce novel scientific knowledge. Drawing from qualitative interaction analysis of video and interview data, we articulate three responses to uncertainty that arise when students try to make optimal choices during the inquiry: they (a) envision alternative narrative scenarios and hypothesis; (b) accept and maintain it as part of their argumentation practices, and (c) flexibly reframe their research activities and goals. The findings indicate that the citizen science setting can allow students to reframe epistemic uncertainty in ways that are typical of scientific practices even without deliberate scaffolding by the teacher. We suggest that incorporating experiences of uncertainty that are shared by students and teachers in pedagogical design can support doing and learning science in different settings.
Exploring the impacts of spatial regulation on environmentally sustainable development: A new perspective of quasi–experimental evaluation based on the National Key Ecological Function Zones in China
Authors: Chen Chaofan , Li Wen‐Bo , Zheng Lijuan , Guan Chenghua 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWith increasing ecological damage caused by regional development, many countries seek to promote sustainable development through spatial regulation. This study treated China's development of National Key Ecological Functional Zones (NKEFZ) as a quasi–natural experiment, applying a time–varying difference–in–differences model to data from 148 water quality monitoring cross–section points of major river systems in China from 2004 to 2018. The results revealed that NKEFZ improved the mean of comprehensive water quality (CWQ) and individual water quality indicators of dissolved oxygen and ammonia nitrogen content index by restricting urbanization and increasing government investment. The mean value of CWQ was improved by about 0.22 grades, and the optimization effect of spatial regulation on average water quality was more prominent in coastal cities, cities with high–pollution levels, and large–sized cities. Nevertheless, the impact of NKEFZ on water quality exhibited a “Matthew effect”, in which NKEFZ were not effective in improving the bottom line standard of water quality in the pilot zones, as NKEFZ did not significantly improve the peak values of CWQ or individual pollutant indicator. In addition, an economic effect estimation indicated that NKEFZ significantly facilitated local economic growth and primary industry development and had a significantly negative impact on secondary industry growth and foreign investment. This study contributes new evidence for measuring the effect of the trans–regional spatial regulation, eliciting policy implications for improving ecological spatial regulation and incentive mechanisms, and promoting the sustainable development of the regional environment and economy.
Nanopesticides: A Review on Current Research and Future Perspective
Authors: Paradva Krish Chunilal , Kalla Sarita 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe survival of humans depends critically on crop production, making crop protection absolutely essential. Numerous studies have suggested that nanopesticides could soon fully replace conventional pesticides since they are far more effective than those now in use. Due to an increase in their surface‐to‐volume ratio, nanomaterials exhibit different properties from their bulk counterparts. Nanopesticides are pesticides that have been made with these nanoparticles and have a high application efficiency and significantly fewer hazardous environmental impacts than pesticides that have been made chemically. Various formulation strategies, which include the containment of the active substance by the nanoparticles, have previously been established, exhibiting promising effects on the pests. Target specificity, high stability, and controlled active ingredients (AIs) release are a few of the noteworthy qualities these nanopesticides offer. The development of green nanopesticides derived from nature, which have very low ecotoxicities and nanoscale qualities, can also have a significant positive impact on crop output. However, before being mass‐produced and used, the discovery still has to be thoroughly examined to determine its effects on people and the environment due to the lack of conclusive proof demonstrating its toxicity. This paper aims to represent the use of nanopesticides in crop protection and a detailed overview of the various methods for the formulation of nanopesticides. Also, the possible negative impacts on the non‐target species by the application of nanopesticides have been briefly discussed. The need for the development of green nanopesticides to avoid the negative aspects of nanopesticides has also been highlighted.
Fused Imidazo[2,1‐b][1,2,3]triazolo[4,5‐d][1,3]thiazines: One‐Pot Synthesis, Antibiofilim, Bactericidal Effects, and in silico Studies
Authors: Ramu Nagavelli , Krishna Thupurani Murali , Nasipireddy Venkatarathnam , Kapavarapu Ravikumar , Narsimha Sirassu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIt has been reported that biologically active organic probe underwent a highly adaptive, efficient and selective “Click followed by C−N bond coupling” by the use of PEG‐400 in microwave irradiation. In less time and with good to excellent yields, this method enables the synthesis of fused 1,2,3‐triazoles via Cu(I)‐catalyzed cycloaddition and C−N bond coupling. Later, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the synthesized compounds (5 a–5 o) was determined against three Staphylococcus aureus mutant strains by the broth dilution method. The obtained results were compared with standard drugs Clindamycin and Dicloxacillin. Among the compounds investigated, 1‐(3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1,4‐dihydroimidazo[2,1‐b] [1,2,3]triazolo[4,5‐d] [1,3] thiazine 5,5‐dioxide (5 c), 1‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐1,4‐dihydro imidazo[2,1‐b][1,2,3]triazolo[4,5‐d][1,3]thiazine 5,5‐dioxide (5 d), 1‐(4‐chloro‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1,4‐dihydroimidazo[2,1‐b][1,2,3]triazolo [4,5‐d][1,3]thiazine 5,5‐dioxide (5 e), 1‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,4‐dihydroimidazo[2,1‐b][1,2,3]triazolo[4,5‐d][1,3]thiazine 5,5‐dioxide (5 h), 1‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)‐1,4‐dihydroimidazo[2,1‐b][1,2,3]triazolo [4,5‐d][1,3]thiazine 5,5‐dioxide (5 m), and 1‐(4‐(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl)‐1,4‐dihydroimidazo[2,1‐b][1,2,3]triazolo[4,5‐d][1,3]thiazine 5,5‐dioxide (5 n) demonstrated the most promising Minimum Inhibitory Concentration values comparing to others. The MIC values were ranged from 1.56 μg to 12.5 μg, especially compounds 5 c, 5 d, and 5 e displayed superior activity against tested strains compared to the standards. We also documented the results of anti‐biofilm profiles for the compounds 5 c, 5 d, 5 e, 5 h, 5 m and 5 n. Based on the result, we noted that, the active derivatives 5 c, 5 d, and 5 e were strongly inhibited the biofilm of MSSA and MRSA biofilm growth with BFIC values ranging from 3.34±0.05 to 8.32±0.32 μg/mL. In accordance to the results of antibiofilm property, the compounds 5 c, 5 d and 5 e were further evaluated for bactericidal effect against selected Staphylococcus aureus mutant strains. In concern to the results, we confirmed that, the bactericidal effect was found significant with compound 5 d and followed by 5 c and 5 e. In silico docking simulation studies were performed to evaluate the molecular interactions of 5 c, 5 d, 5 e, 5 h, 5 m and 5 n compounds with the S.aureus (MRSA), Penicillin‐binding protein (PDB ID: 1MWT, co‐crystallised ligand inhibitor Pencillin G). Finally, the in silico pharmacokinetic profile was predicted for potent compounds using SWISS/ADME and pkCSM.
Highly Regioselective Synthesis of 3,6‐Diaryl‐2‐(het)arylpyridines by aza‐Diels‐Alder Reactions between 6‐H‐1,2,4‐Triazine Dienes and 2‐Amino‐4‐aryloxazole‐Based Dienophiles
Authors: Shtaitz Yaroslav K. , Rammohan Aluru , Krinochkin Alexey P. , Ladin Evgeny D. , Butorin Ilya I. , Mochulskaya Nataliya N. , Khalymbadzha Igor A. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Shevyrin Vadim A. , Kopchuk Dmitry S. , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Chupakhin Oleg N. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA solvent‐free reaction between C6‐unsubstituted 5‐aryl‐1,2,4‐triazines and 2‐amino‐4‐aryloxazoles at high temperature was studied. The reaction proceeds via inverse electron demand aza‐Diels‐Alder reaction between the oxazole moiety as dienophile and the 1,2,4‐triazine moiety as diene with the highly regioselective formation of 3,6‐diarylpyridines in up to 60 % isolated yield. The structure of one of the key‐products was proven by the X‐ray diffraction analysis, and the mechanism of the transformation was proposed. The reaction proceeds well for both 6‐aryl and 6‐hetaryl‐1,2,4‐triazines in the presence of the electron acceptor substituent at the position 3. In the case of the donor substituent in position 3, the pyridine yields are significantly reduced. In the case of 5,6‐nonsubstituted 1,2,4‐triazines, the triazine cycle is degraded without product formation. The high regioselectivity of the reaction as well as solvent‐free conditions are valuable advantages of the present synthetic approach.
Recent Developments towards the Synthesis of Pyrimidopyrimidine and Purine Derivatives
Authors: Debnath Pradip 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFused pyrimidines scaffolds such as pyrimidopyrimidines, purines and xanthines are important structural motifs found in various natural products and drug molecules. They are used as anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antitumor, anti‐diabetic, adenosine potentiating, and hepatoprotective agents. Due to their diverse biological applications, the synthesis of pyrimidopyrimidines, purines and xanthines has gained great importance among the researchers in recent years. Thus, the present study aims to review the synthetic methodologies published during the years 2000–2022 for the preparation of pyrimidopyrimidines, purines and xanthines nucleus. Mechanistic interpretation of some important cases has also been discussed. This survey will help researchers working in the fields of synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry to undertake and improve new approaches for the construction of titled compounds.
Structure‐Based Virtual Screening, ADMET analysis, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Moroccan Natural Compounds as Candidates α‐Amylase Inhibitors
Authors: Abchir Oussama , Yamari Imane , Nour Hassan , Daoui Ossama , Elkhattabi Souad , Errougui Abdelkbir , Chtita Samir 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCurrent treatments for diabetes mellitus are ineffective, as evidenced by the rise in diabetes cases. This has forced researchers to develop novel chemicals as drugs to block the enzyme alpha‐amylase as the severe way to treat diabetes disease. Many previous studies were done to determine the biological activity of a set of molecules isolated from medicinal plants. Morocco is renowned for the abundance of plants it has and for the traditional medical uses of these plants, which drives us to employ our cultural heritage and the variety of our nation‘s natural resources in the therapeutic area. In the current study, extensive research was conducted to compile a group of phytoconstituents derived from Moroccan plants and used in conventional Moroccan medicine to treat local illnesses. To assess the stability of the generated complexes, molecular docking of the investigated compounds was carried out in the active site of 4 distinct alpha‐amylase proteins. The remaining compounds with a high negative binding affinity were then subjected to the ADMET analysis to determine their pharmacological characteristics. The findings showed that two drugs have strong binding affinity for the target proteins and may be used orally as potential alpha‐amylase inhibitors. The results of molecular dynamics analysis and MMGBSA calculation were used to validate the optimal stability of created complexes (L97 with studied proteins 1HNY, 1OSE, 1UA7 and 1BAG).