bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stand structure of Central European forests matters more than climate for transpiration sensitivity to VPD
Authors: Bachofen Christoph , Poyatos Rafael , Flo Víctor , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Mencuccini Maurizio , Granda Víctor , Grossiord Charlotte 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Temperature rise and more severe and frequent droughts will alter forest transpiration, thereby affecting the global water cycle. Yet, tree responses to increased atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and reduced soil water content (SWC) are not fully understood due to long‐term tree adjustments to local environmental conditions that modify transpiration responses to short‐term VPD and SWC changes.

We analysed sap flux density (SFD) of Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Quercus ilex from 25 sites across Europe to understand how daily variation in SWC affects the sensitivity of SFD to VPD (βVPD) and the maximum SFD (S95). Furthermore, we tested whether long‐term adjustments to site climatic conditions and stand characteristics affect βVPD and S95.

The studied species showed contrasting βVPD and S95 with the largest values in F. sylvatica, followed by Q. ilex, which surpassed the two conifers that showed low βVPD and low S95. We observed that βVPD and S95 dropped during days of low SWC in F. sylvatica, P. sylvestris and Q. ilex, but not in P. abies. Both βVPD and S95 were driven by tree height, and the temperature and precipitation at the sites. However, stand basal area was the most important driver of βVPD and S95, explaining 30% of their total variance.

Synthesis and applications: A future warmer and drier climate will restrict tree transpiration and thereby heavily affect the soil–plant‐atmosphere coupling. However, the effect of basal area, being the largest driver of tree transpiration sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit across a broad range of conditions, provides the opportunity to pre‐adapt European forests to future climate conditions. While stand thinning can increase the soil water availability for remaining trees, it also increases transpiration sensitivity to high air temperatures and may thereby amplify tree vulnerability to heat and drought.
Environmental formation of methylmercury is controlled by synergy of inorganic mercury bioavailability and microbial mercury‐methylation capacity
Authors: Peterson Benjamin D. , Krabbenhoft David P. , McMahon Katherine D. , Ogorek Jacob M. , Tate Michael T. , Orem William H. , Poulin Brett A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMethylmercury (MeHg) production is controlled by the bioavailability of inorganic divalent mercury (Hg(II)i) and Hg‐methylation capacity of the microbial community (conferred by the hgcAB gene cluster). However, the relative importance of these factors and their interaction in the environment remain poorly understood. Here, metagenomic sequencing and a full‐factorial MeHg formation experiment were conducted across a wetland sulfate gradient with different microbial communities and pore water chemistries. From this experiment, the relative importance of each factor on MeHg formation was isolated. Hg(II)i bioavailability correlated with the dissolved organic matter composition, while the microbial Hg‐methylation capacity correlated with the abundance of hgcA genes. MeHg formation responded synergistically to both factors. Notably, hgcA sequences were from diverse taxonomic groups, none of which contained genes for dissimilatory sulfate reduction. This work expands our understanding of the geochemical and microbial constraints on MeHg formation in situ and provides an experimental framework for further mechanistic studies.
Parenthood and dynamics of life satisfaction in times of COVID‐19
Authors: Hudde Ansgar , Hank Karsten , Jacob Marita 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe analyze data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, including a pre‐pandemic baseline and seven survey waves between May 2020 and September 2021. Fixed effects panel regression models are run over more than 11,000 individuals, distinguishing among women and men with young children (<5 years), older children (5–15 years), or no children in the household. We hypothesize that declines in life satisfaction during the first lockdown are sharper among parents, whose domestic demands increase, than among the childless. We develop competing hypotheses that parents might be resilient and have higher life satisfaction during the later phases of the pandemic (Adaptation Hypothesis) or that the pandemic stressors accumulate, leading to even lower satisfaction over time (Accumulation Hypothesis). The results only support the Accumulation Hypothesis among mothers. Whereas mothers fared comparatively well during the first lockdown, further pandemic stressors have seemingly exhausted their resilience, leading to stronger declines during the winter 2020/2021 lockdown. Among men with older children and without children, life satisfaction decreased during the first and subsequent lockdowns. Men with young children were the only group with almost unchanged life satisfaction throughout the pandemic.
A comprehensive review of the metabolism of citrus flavonoids and their binding to bitter taste receptors
Authors: Li Lijun , Yan Xing , Chen Fengying , Zheng Liyan , Hu Yang , He Fan , Ni Hui , Chen Feng , Li Qingbiao 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCitrus is an important source of flavonoids in our daily diet. Citrus flavonoids have antioxidant, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, and cardiovascular disease prevention functions. Studies have shown that some pharmaceutical values of flavonoids may be related to their binding to bitter taste receptors, thus activating downstream signal transduction pathways; however, the underlying mechanism has not been systematically elucidated. In this paper, the biosynthesis pathway and the absorption and metabolism of citrus flavonoids were briefly reviewed, and the relationship between flavonoid structure and bitter taste intensity was investigated. In addition, the pharmacological effects of bitter flavonoids and the activation of bitter taste receptors in combating various diseases were discussed. This review provides an important basis for the targeted design of citrus flavonoid structures to make them more biologically active and more attractive as powerful drugs for the effective treatment of chronic diseases such as obesity, asthma, and neurological diseases.
Electrochemical nucleic acid‐based sensors for detection of Escherichia coli and Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli—Review of the recent developments
Authors: Wasiewska Luiza A. , Juska Vuslat B. , Seymour Ian , Burgess Catherine M. , Duffy Geraldine , O'Riordan Alan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEscherichia coli are a group of bacteria that are a natural part of the intestinal flora of warm‐blooded animals, including humans. Most E. coli are nonpathogenic and essential for the normal function of a healthy intestine. However, certain types, such as Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli (STEC), which is a foodborne pathogen, can cause a life‐threatening illness. The development of point‐of‐care devices for the rapid detection of E. coli is of significant interest with regard to ensuring food safety. The most suitable way to distinguish between generic E. coli and STEC is by using nucleic acid‐based detection, focusing on the virulence factors. Electrochemical sensors based on nucleic acid recognition have attracted much attention in recent years for use in pathogenic bacteria detection. This review has summarized nucleic acid‐based sensors for the detection of generic E. coli and STEC since 2015. First, the sequences of the genes used as recognition probes are discussed and compared to the most recent research regarding the specific detection of general E. coli and STEC. Subsequently, the collected literature regarding nucleic acid‐based sensors is described and discussed. The traditional sensors were divided into four categories such as gold, indium tin oxide, carbon‐based electrodes, and those using magnetic particles. Finally, we summarized the future trends in nucleic acid‐based sensor development for E. coli and STEC including some examples of fully integrated devices.
The random presence of glass and paint on the clothing and footwear of members of the general population: A US baseline survey at various seasons
Authors: Alexander Lauryn C. , Ovide Oriana , Duffett Olivia C. , Lewis Andra D. , Buzzini Patrick , Curran James , Trejos Tatiana 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study assists the interpretation of glass and paint evidence by filling an existing gap in the background occurrence that reflects the socioeconomic and demographic circumstances in the United States. The collection was performed in a college US city (Morgantown, West Virginia) to determine the effect of the type of clothing worn at different seasons on the presence of glass and paint. Tape lifts and sole scrapings (1038) were collected from 210 participants and up to six clothing and footwear areas per individual. Glass fragments were analyzed via polarized light microscopy (PLM), refractive index (RI), micro‐X‐Ray fluorescence (μXRF), and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), while paint specimens were examined by light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR). Higher occurrences of glass and paint were found in the winter season. The winter collection yielded 10 glass fragments and 68 paint particles, whereas the summer collection resulted in one glass fragment and 23 paint particles. The percentage of individuals with traces varied between seasons; 7% of individuals in the winter and 0.9% in the summer had glass, whereas 36% of individuals in the winter and 19% in the summer bore paint. Lastly, when considering the overall garment and footwear areas, glass was detected in 1.4% of the winter set, compared to 0.2% in the summer collection; paint was found in 9.2% of the winter collection, whereas only 4.2% was found in the summer set. There were no instances where both glass and paint were detected on the clothing and footwear of the same individual.
Effect of temperature, wall shear stress, and NaOH concentration on cleaning effectiveness
Authors: Fan Mengyuan , Kim Woo‐Ju , Heldman Dennis R. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of various operational parameters and their interaction on cleaning rate of NaOH. The parameters include wall shear stress, temperatures, and NaOH concentrations of cleaning fluid. The higher cleaning effectiveness for proteinaceous deposits was achieved at higher wall shear stress. The wall shear stress of 2.42 Pa removed over 90% of foulant after 10 min of operation, which was significantly higher than the removal of lower wall shear stress (0.84 and 0.39 Pa). Similarly, the cleaning rate increased with increase in temperature and concentration of cleaning solution. The use of cleaning solution (0.05% NaOH) at 65°C provided significantly higher cleaning rate than 25°C. A cleaning solution concentration of 0.5% NaOH provided significantly higher removal of foulant than 0% or 0.05% concentrations. However, analysis on the interaction between temperature and the wall shear stress suggested that the temperature above 45°C and wall shear stress above 0.65 Pa did not provide significant improvement in cleaning efficacy. When a cleaning solution temperature was maintained at 45°C, higher wall shear stress provided more rapid removal of the foulant when the cleaning agent concentration was 0.05% or 0.5%. In water rinse conducted without chemical agents, no much improvements in foulant removal were observed with increase in wall shear stress. The change of activation energy (Ea) indicates that water rinse was sensitive to temperature change at higher wall shear stress. However, cleaning with cleaning agents was less sensitive to temperature variation compared to the water rinse.Practical ApplicationConsidering the intense use of water and chemical compounds during cleaning operation, finding operating condition to ensure acceptable cleanness with minimized input is desired. Temperature, cleaning agent concentration, and wall shear stress are the major components to influence the cleaning efficacy. The result of the study demonstrates the potential for optimization of in‐place cleaning by appropriate adjustments of the CIP operating parameters.
The impact of wounding and postharvest storage conditions on retention of soluble protein in sugar beet leaves
Authors: Brouwer Bastiaan , Paillart Maxence J. M. , Bruins Marieke E. , Wissink Edo , Vries Mariska Nijenhuis‐de , Mensink Manon , Bode‐Mocking Helene , Liese Willemijn , Geerdink Peter , Echtelt Esther M. Hogeveen‐van , Woltering Ernst J. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSugar beet leaves can be a viable and economically interesting source of high‐quality protein for the food industry. We investigated how storage conditions and leaf wounding at harvest affect the content and quality of the soluble protein. After collection, leaves were either stored intact or shredded to mimic wounding induced by commercial leaf harvesters. Leaf material was stored in small volumes at different temperatures to assess leaf physiology or in larger volumes to assess temperature development at different locations in the bins. Protein degradation was more pronounced at higher storage temperatures. Wounding accelerated the degradation of soluble protein at all temperatures. Both wounding and storage at higher temperatures greatly stimulated respiration activity and heat production. At temperatures below 5°C, ribulose‐1,5‐biphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (RuBisCO) in intact leaves was preserved for up to 3 weeks. At temperatures of 30–40°C, RuBisCO degradation occurred within 48 h. Degradation was more pronounced in shredded leaves. In 0.8‐m3 storage bins at ambient temperature, core temperatures rapidly increased, up to 25°C in intact leaves and up to 45°C in shredded leaves within 2–3 days. Immediate storage at 5°C greatly suppressed the temperature increase in intact but not in shredded leaves. The indirect effect of excessive wounding, that is, heat production, is discussed as the pivotal factor responsible for increased degradation of protein. For optimal retention of soluble protein levels and quality in harvested sugar beet leaves, it is advised to minimize wounding and to store the material at temperatures around −5°C.Practical ApplicationTo preserve the soluble protein content and quality for at least 3 weeks, sugar beet leaves should be harvested with minimal wounding and stored at temperatures between 1 and 5°C. When aiming to store minimally wounded leaves in larger volumes, it must be ensured that the product temperature in the core of the biomass meets the temperature criterium or the cooling strategy must be adjusted. The principles of minimal wounding and low temperature storage are transferable to other leafy crops that are harvested for food protein.
Changes in electrical generator cooling systems: Are they cost‐effective sources of water now and under climate change?
Authors: Yang Yingqian , Fei Chengcheng J. , McCarl Bruce A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn the United States, thermal power plant electrical generators (EGs) are large water diverters and consumptive users who need water for cooling. Retrofitting existing cooling systems to dry cooling and building new facilities with dry cooling can save water and reduce EG's vulnerability to drought. However, this can be an expensive source of water. We estimate that the cost of water saved by retrofitting cooling in existing EGs ranges from $0.04/m3 to $18/m3 depending on facility characteristics. Also water savings from building new EGs with dry cooling ranges in cost per unit water from $1.29/m3 to $2.24/m3. We compare costs with that for water development projects identified in the Texas State Water Plan. We find the water cost from converting to dry cooling is lower than many of the water development possibilities. We then estimate the impact of climate change on the cost of water saved, finding climate change can increase EG water use by up to 9.3% and lower the costs of water saved. Generally, it appears that water planners might consider cooling alterations as a cost competitive water development alternative whose cost would be further decreased by climate change.
Varieties of EU trade politicisation in EU public debates
Authors: Andrione‐Moylan Alex , de Wilde Pieter , Raube Kolja 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the politicisation of EU trade policy at the level of the EU's Member States. In an effort to study the variation of politicisation across the EU, going beyond the degree to which an issue is politicised, we map out the debates surrounding EU free trade agreements (TTIP and CETA) in the media of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland, based on a novel representative claims analysis dataset. We ask whether and how claimants from different EUMS attempt to politicise FTAs in distinct ways. The expectation, based on Castles and Obinger' families of nations, is that the behaviour of claimants belonging to the same family of nations displays overarching features, which sets them apart from other claimants. By way of an actor‐level regression analysis, this study identifies possible correlations between claimant nationalities and types of politicisation. The findings suggest, on the one hand, that there is a link between families of nations, the socio‐economic and institutional trajectories they capture, and types of politicisation. On the other hand, the variation in how issues are politicised is not random but, just like policy outcomes, it appears to ‘cluster’ following a territoriality logic.
Glycation‐mediated tissue‐level remodeling of brain meningeal membrane by aging
Authors: Kim Hyo Min , Kim Shinheun , Sim Jueun , Ma Boo Soo , Yong Insung , Jo Youngmin , Kim Taek‐Soo , Chang Jae‐Byum , Park Sung‐Hye , Jeong Yong , Kim Pilnam 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCollagen is a prominent target of nonenzymatic glycation, which is a hallmark of aging and causes functional alteration of the matrix. Here, we uncover glycation‐mediated structural and functional changes in the collagen‐enriched meningeal membrane of the human and mouse brain. Using an in vitro culture platform mimicking the meningeal membrane composed of fibrillar collagen, we showed that the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the collagen membrane is responsible for glycation‐mediated matrix remodeling. These changes influence fibroblast‐matrix interactions, inducing cell‐mediated ECM remodeling. The adherence of meningeal fibroblasts to the glycated collagen membrane was mediated by the discoidin domain‐containing receptor 2 (DDR2), whereas integrin‐mediated adhesion was inhibited. A‐kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12)‐positive meningeal fibroblasts in the meningeal membrane of aged mice exhibited substantially increased expression of DDR2 and depletion of integrin beta‐1 (ITGB1). In the glycated collagen membrane, meningeal fibroblasts increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) and less tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP1). In contrast, the cells exhibited decreased expression of type I collagen (COL1A1). These results suggest that glycation modification by meningeal fibroblasts is intimately linked to aging‐related structural and functional alterations in the meningeal membrane.
Age as a moderator of motivational interviewing and nondirective client‐centered psychotherapy for alcohol use disorder: An exploratory study
Authors: Kuerbis Alexis , Behrendt Silke , Morgenstern Jon 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundMotivational interviewing (MI) is a widely used intervention applied to a host of health behaviors, including alcohol consumption among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Age is an underexplored moderator of MI for treating AUD, with the impact of comparing older individuals with their younger counterparts virtually unexplored. Also unexplored is whether age is associated with distinct mechanisms of change (e.g., motivation and self‐efficacy) within treatment.MethodsThis secondary data analysis utilizes combined data from two previous studies (total N = 228) that both aimed to test MI's mechanisms of action in the context of a goal for moderated drinking. Both studies had three conditions: MI, nondirective listening (NDL), and a self‐change condition (SC). In the current analyses, the moderating impact of continuous age and age group, <51 (younger adults, YA) versus ≥51 (older adults, OA), on the impact of MI on alcohol use compared to NDL and SC were tested using generalized linear models. Age differences in confidence and commitment to reduce heavy drinking during treatment were also explored.ResultsAge group by condition differences emerged, where NDL significantly reduced drinking among YA but not OA (mean −12 vs. −3 standard drinks, respectively). Among OA, MI outperformed NDL but not SC, though the effect was weak. Confidence and commitment during treatment were not significantly different across age‐by‐condition groups.ConclusionFindings underscore the importance of understanding the impact of age on treatment effectiveness, as providing a nondirective intervention for OA with AUD could provide suboptimal treatment. Further research is needed to explore these differential effects.
Chronic alcohol consumption and COVID‐19 infection risk: A narrative review
Authors: Friske Marion M. , Spanagel Rainer 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, many potential risk groups have been identified, such as those with obesity, diabetes, preexisting organ injuries, and several other conditions. Smoking is the most reported substance use disorder linked to increased COVID‐19 hospitalization rate and disease severity. In relation to smoking, we discuss the impairment of the innate and the adaptive immune systems as being among the main potential reasons for increased COVID‐19 infection risk and severity. Chronic alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD) also have a negative impact on the immune system, but when it comes to COVID‐19 risk, they produce diverse outcomes. Some studies provide evidence that chronic alcohol consumption and AUD increase the risk of COVID‐19 infection and severe disease progression, while others report reduced hospitalization and death rates. In this review, we summarize the current state of epidemiological and molecular data concerning alcohol consumption and AUD as risk factors for COVID‐19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality.
CD30‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders—An Australian Clinical Practice Statement from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Authors: Bhabha Friyana K. , McCormack Christopher , Campbell Belinda A. , Lade Stephen , Buelens Odette , Van Der Weyden Carrie , Prince H. Miles 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe CD30‐postive lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphomatoid papulosis and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, account for up to 30% of all cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCLs) and are the second most common form of CTCLs after mycosis fungoides. Both conditions differ in their clinical presentations; however, they share the expression of the CD30 antigen as a common immunophenotypic hallmark. There is a wide spectrum of management options depending on factors such as extent of disease, staging and treatment tolerability. This Clinical Practice Statement is reflective of the current clinical practice in Australia.