bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compost and microbial biostimulant applications improve plant growth and soil biological fertility of a grass-based phytostabilization system
Authors: Visconti Donato , Ventorino Valeria , Fagnano Massimo , Woo Sheridan Lois , Pepe Olimpia , Adamo Paola , Caporale Antonio Giandonato , Carrino Linda , Fiorentino Nunzio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this work, a grass-based phytoremediation system integrated with an organic amendment and biostimulants was evaluated for remediating contaminated sites. Plant growth and biological fertility were monitored to assess the efficacy of a vegetative cap used as a safety measure to reduce sanitary and environmental risks of industrially contaminated soils and soil-washing sludges. Both matrices were potentially contaminated with Pb and Zn with an ecological risk index from low to moderate. According to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) bioaccessibility tests, the exposure to the released fine particulate matter may cause serious risks to human beings, in particular to children. The grass mixture was well adapted to both the substrates and a low PTEs mobility was detected, thus, reducing the leaching risk to ground water sources. Compost addition augmented significantly nitrogenase reductase (nifH) and ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene expression abundance in both substrates. Furthermore, a positive interaction between compost fertilization and a Trichoderma-based biostimulant inoculation was recorded in sludges resulting in a significant stimulation of nitrogen-fixing and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. The application of compost and biostimulant increased soil fertility and plant growth. Furthermore, there was a slight reduction in PTE bioaccessibility, thus, improving the efficiency of the phytostabilization, limiting the resuspension and dispersion of the health-risk soil particulate.
Molecular characterization of Xanthomonas species isolated from Araceae and the development of a triplex TaqMan assay for detection of Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. dieffenbachiae
Authors: van der Wolf Jan , Krijger Marjon , Mendes Odette , Brankovics Balazs , Bonants Peter , Didden Leonie , Meekes Ellis 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn total 58 Xanthomonas strains isolated from Araceae worldwide, together with 13 other phylogenetically-related Xanthomonas strains, were characterized using multilocus sequence analysis based on concatenated sequences of seven single copy orthologous genes, extracted from whole genome sequences. The analysis revealed a monophyletic clade of 48 strains, 44 isolated from Anthurium, identified as X. phaseoli pv. dieffenbachiae (Xpd) confirmed by nucleotide identity analysis. The other strains from aroids were identified as Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (2 strains), X citri (5 strains) and Xanthomonas sacchari (3 strains). Two TaqMan assays were designed for specific detection of Xpd, one targeting sequences of a hypothetical protein and one targeting a type I restriction endonuclease subunit S. The two assays showed similar reaction kinetics and were merged with an assay comprising an amplification and extraction control into a triplex assay. The assay was able to detect minimally 100 copies of a target sequence delivered as a gBlock, 100 fg of genomic DNA and 104 cells per mL in an Anthurium leaf extract.
CO2 emissions and income growth in Latin America: long-term patterns and determinants
Authors: Seri C. , de Juan Fernández A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe employ an ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration and Unrestricted Error Correction Models to estimate the relationship between income and CO2 emissions per capita in 21 Latin American Countries (LACs) over 1960–2017. Using time series, we estimate six different specifications of the model to take into account the independent effect on CO2 emissions per capita of different factors considered as drivers of different dynamics of CO2 emissions along the development path. This approach allows to address two concerns. First, the estimation of the model controlling for different variables serves to assess if the EKC hypothesis is supported by evidence in any of the LACs considered and to evaluate if this evidence is robust to different model specifications. Second, the inclusion of control variables accounting for the effect on CO2 emissions is directed at increasing our understanding of CO2 emissions drivers in different countries. The EKC hypothesis effectively describes the long-term income-emissions relationship only in a minority of LACs and, in many cases, the effect on CO2 emissions of different factors depends on the individual country experience and on the type and quantity of environmental policies adopted. Overall, these results call for increased environmental action in the region.
Believing for a Reason is (at Least) Nearly Self-Intimating
Authors: Keeling Sophie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis paper concerns a specific epistemic feature of believing for a reason (e.g., believing that it will rain on the basis of the grey clouds outside). It has commonly been assumed that our access to such facts about ourselves is akin in all relevant respects to our access to why other people hold their beliefs. Further, discussion of self-intimation—that we are necessarily in a position to know when we are in certain conditions—has centred largely around mental states. In contrast to both assumptions, this paper argues that believing for a reason is (at least) very nearly self-intimating: necessarily, if a subject believes that q for the reason that p, then, provided relevant conceptual and rational capacities, she is in a position to form a justified true belief that she believes that q for the reason that p. We should think this on the basis of the role that believing for a reason plays from the subjects’ perspective, and in particular, the way in which it intellegises one’s belief.
The right ventricular involvement in dilated cardiomyopathy: prevalence and prognostic implications of the often-neglected child
Authors: Manca Paolo , Nuzzi Vincenzo , Cannatà Antonio , Castrichini Matteo , Bromage Daniel I. , De Luca Antonio , Stolfo Davide , Schulz Uwe , Merlo Marco , Sinagra Gianfranco 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary heart muscle disease characterized by left or biventricular systolic impairment. Historically, most of the clinical attention has been devoted to the evaluation of left ventricular function and morphology, while right ventricle (RV) has been for many years the forgotten chamber. Recently, progresses in cardiac imaging gave clinicians precious tools for the evaluation of RV, raising the awareness of the importance of biventricular assessment in DCM. Indeed, RV involvement is far from being uncommon in DCM, and the presence of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is one of the major negative prognostic determinants in DCM patients. However, some aspects such as the possible role of specific genetic mutations in determining the biventricular phenotype in DCM, or the lack of specific treatments able to primarily counteract RVD, still need research. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on RV involvement in DCM, giving an overview on the epidemiology and pathogenetic mechanisms implicated in determining RVD. Furthermore, we discussed the imaging techniques to evaluate RV function and the role of RV failure in advanced heart failure.
Targeting intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) to reduce rhinovirus-induced acute exacerbations in chronic respiratory diseases
Authors: Shukla Shakti D. , Shastri Madhur D. , Vanka Swaroop K. , Jha Niraj Kumar , Dureja Harish , Gupta Gaurav , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Oliver Brian G. , Dua Kamal , Walters E. Haydn 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe chronic respiratory non-communicable diseases, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the leading causes of global mortality and morbidity. Individuals suffering from these diseases are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections caused by bacterial and/or viral pathogens, which frequently result in exacerbation of symptoms, lung function decline, frequent hospital emergency visits and increased socioeconomic burden. Human rhinoviruses (HRV) remain the major viral pathogen group implicated in exacerbations of both asthma and COPD. The rhinoviral entry into the host lung epithelium is facilitated primarily by the adhesion site (“receptor”) intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), coincidentally expressed on the respiratory epithelium in these conditions. Multiple observations of increased airway ICAM-1 protein in asthmatics, smokers and smoking-related COPD have been recorded in the literature. However, the lack of robust therapies for COPD in particular has triggered a renewed interest in assessing receptor antagonism-based anti-viral strategies for treatment of intercurrent viral infections in those with pre-existing chronic lung diseases. Given the crucial role ICAM-1 plays in facilitating HRV adhesion and, thus, transmissibility to the host respiratory system, as well as the up-regulation of ICAM-1 by smoking, we summarize the role of HRV in smoking-induced COPD and especially highlight the role of ICAM-1 in epithelial viral adhesion and chronic lung disease progression. Further, the review also sheds light specifically on evolving precision therapeutic strategies in blocking ICAM-1 for preventing viral adhesion and exacerbations of COPD.
RestraintMaker: a graph-based approach to select distance restraints in free-energy calculations with dual topology
Authors: Ries Benjamin , Rieder Salomé , Rhiner Clemens , Hünenberger Philippe H. , Riniker Sereina 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe calculation of relative binding free energies (RBFE) involves the choice of the end-state/system representation, of a sampling approach, and of a free-energy estimator. System representations are usually termed “single topology” or “dual topology”. As the terminology is often used ambiguously in the literature, a systematic categorization of the system representations is proposed here. In the dual-topology approach, the molecules are simulated as separate molecules. Such an approach is relatively easy to automate for high-throughput RBFE calculations compared to the single-topology approach. Distance restraints are commonly applied to prevent the molecules from drifting apart, thereby improving the sampling efficiency. In this study, we introduce the program RestraintMaker, which relies on a greedy algorithm to find (locally) optimal distance restraints between pairs of atoms based on geometric measures. The algorithm is further extended for multi-state methods such as enveloping distribution sampling (EDS) or multi-site$$\lambda $$λ-dynamics. The performance of RestraintMaker is demonstrated for toy models and for the calculation of relative hydration free energies. The Python program can be used in script form or through an interactive GUI within PyMol. The selected distance restraints can be written out in GROMOS or GROMACS file formats. Additionally, the program provides a human-readable JSON format that can easily be parsed and processed further. The code of RestraintMaker is freely available on GitHubhttps://github.com/rinikerlab/restraintmaker.
Novel glass materials-based (PVA/PVP/Al2O3/SiO2) hybrid composite hydrogel membranes for industrial applications: synthesis, characterization, and physical properties
Authors: Ali Ahmed I. , Salim Samar A. , Kamoun Elbadawy A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMetal oxides e.g., Al2O3and SiO2loaded-hydrogel blended membranes composed of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVA/PVP, PVA/PVP/Al2O3, PVA/PVP/SiO2, PVA/PVP/Al2O3/SiO2) were successfully prepared on precleared glass plates by dip coating method. Meanwhile, series of obtained crosslinked hydride composite hydrogel membranes were successfully prepared using solution-casting method. Samples have been characterized for use in microelectronic devices. Results of X-ray diffraction revealed that the structure of doped sample with nanoparticle has a polycrystalline structure (hexagonal and Orthorhombic), while FE-SEM micrographs show grains in nanoscale and homogenous in nature of membranes. Interestingly, optical measurements of composites blended membranes were recorded using UV/Vis spectrometer. The optical parameters such as refractive index and optical energy gap were estimated. Moreover, complex dielectric constants were calculated optically for all composites, the experimental data shows the additive of nanoparticles composites has a direct energy band gap. Where,Egfor PVA/PVP/SiO2, PVA/PVP/Al2O3and PVA/PVP/Al2O3/SiO2at 1.82, 2.55, and 1.95 eV), respectively. While the sample PVA/PVP has an indirect band gapEgof value 2.24 eV. Finally, the frequency dependence of the transport properties was measured, where results showed improvement of dielectric behavior with metal oxides loading. The experimental data of composite blended membranes can be used in optoelectronics devices.
The Colonial Clinic in Conflict: Towards a Medical History of the Palestinian Great Revolt, 1936–1939
Authors: Sandal-Wilson Chris 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article reconstructs how Arab doctors, medical missionaries, British counterinsurgents, and Palestinian rebels negotiated and contested the legitimate role of medical workers and healthcare in times of colonial conflict. Drawing insight from a medical anthropological literature which challenges the notion of medical neutrality as normative, and setting mandate Palestine alongside other case studies of medicine in times of conflict from the interwar Middle East and North Africa, this article argues that while healthcare and medical authority could be put to work to support the colonial status quo, they could serve other, more radical ends too. To highlight the complexity of the political positioning of medical workers and healthcare, this article focuses on the town of Hebron during the great revolt which rocked the foundations of British rule in Palestine between 1936 and 1939, and relies on a range of colonial and missionary archival sources. The first part of the article uses the case study of an Egyptian medical doctor who took up political office in the town in moments of crisis to show how medical authority could be consciously transmuted into a force to uphold a besieged political order. The second part draws on the diary of a British mission doctor to reconstruct his efforts to assert medical neutrality during the great revolt, and—more strikingly still—how Palestinian insurgents participated actively in this attempt to transplant international legal protections to Hebron. The final part traces the incorporation of healthcare into the strategies of both British counterinsurgents and Palestinian rebels, with the British policy of collective punishment indirectly but appreciably degrading access to healthcare for Palestinians, and Palestinian counterstate ambitions extending to the establishment of insurgent medical services in the hills.
PAMAM versus PEI complexation for siRNA delivery: interaction with model lipid membranes and cellular uptake
Authors: Chang Patrick K. C. , Prestidge Clive A. , Bremmell Kristen E. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Cationic polymers have many advantages as vectors for mediated cellular entry and delivery of siRNA. However, toxicity related to their cationic charge has compromised clinical use. It is hypothesized that the siRNA-vector complex composition and properties can be controlled to optimize therapeutic performance. Here we investigate siRNA complexes with branched polyethylenimine (bPEI) versus generation 4 polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) on interactions with immobilized lipid membranes, and cellular uptake and toxicity.

Methods
A model siRNA was complexed with either PAMAM or bPEI, and their size and zeta-potential characterized. Interaction of the complexes and parent polymers with lipid bilayers was investigated using atomic force microscopy and correlated with the uptake and toxicity in HeLa cells.

Results
PAMAM and its siRNA complexes formed circular shaped micron-sized holes in lipid bilayers, while bPEI formed nanoscale holes. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy demonstrated PAMAM-siRNA complexes to have a higher cellular uptake than bPEI-siRNA complexes. bPEI-siRNA complexes did not impact on viability, however PAMAM-siRNA complexes demonstrated increasing cell toxicity as N/P ratio increased. PAMAM-siRNA complexes accumulated around the cell nucleus, while PEI-siRNA complexes were located closer to the cell wall.

Conclusion
Complexation of PAMAM dendrimer or bPEI with siRNA modified physicochemical properties of the parent polymer, however it did not impact on the mechanism of interaction with model lipid bilayers or how the polymer/siRNA complex interacted and was internalized by HeLa cells. Interaction of siRNA polymer complexes with cells is related to the action of the parent polymer.

Graphical abstract
Hepatoprotective potential of selected medicinally important herbs: evidence from ethnomedicinal, toxicological and pharmacological evaluations
Authors: Arman Mohammad , Chowdhury Kazi Ashfak Ahmed , Bari Md. Sazzadul , Khan Mohammad Forhad , Huq Maryam Md. Ataul , Haque Md. Areeful , Capasso Raffaele 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMedicinal herbs are nature’s gift to humanity, contributing crucially to the preservation, maintenance and improvement of our health. In order to explore the hepatoprotective potential of prevalent medicinal plants, nine species were selected from different genera based on their ethnomedicinal records in treating different liver-related pathological conditions in South Asia. Besides, the available information was critically analyzed to gain new insights and directions for future investigations towards establishing such natural products as potent hepatoprotective agents or dietary supplements. The hepatoprotective activities of the species have been investigated in a wide variety of in vivo experimental models including carbon tetrachloride-, paracetamol-, iron-, mercuric chloride-, thioacetamide-, cyclophosphamide-, β-d-galactosamine-, cumene hydroperoxide-, α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate-, physical stress- and alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and mice. All the plants were consistent in their ability to possess hepatoprotective properties. As well, three bioactive isolates namely, schaftoside, echinocystic acid, and eclalbasaponin II were found to have promising hepatoprotective potential. However, extensive comparative studies are warranted in future to establish the relative hepatoprotective potentials of the nine species under discussion. Preparation of poly-herbal formulations from these plants and identification of hepatoprotective phytoconstituents from these plants might open up new avenues in the development of therapeutic hepatoprotective agents.
Effect of post-harvest practices on greenhouse gas emissions in rice paddies: flooding regime and straw management
Authors: Belenguer-Manzanedo María , Alcaraz Carles , Camacho Antonio , Ibáñez Carles , Català-Forner Mar , Martínez-Eixarch Maite 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Aims
To assess 1) the effect of the combination of flooding (winter flooding vs. non-winter flooding; WFL vs NWF) and timing of straw incorporation (early vs late straw incorporation; ESI vs LSI) in the post-harvest of paddy agrosystem, on a year-round global balance of greenhouse gases (GHG) exchanges, i.e. methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O); 2) the impact on the net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) and 3) the resulting net global warming potential (GWP).

Methods
A field experiment was conducted with fortnightly samplings of main GHG emissions. Effect of the studied factors on GHG emissions was seasonally assessed. The net GWP is estimated from the balance between GHG (CH4 and N2O) and NECB.

Results
NWF-LSI reduced net GWP by 206% compared to conventional post-harvest management (WFL-ESI). NECB was similar in all treatments. Avoiding winter flooding reduced CH4 emissions significantly in the post-harvest and next growing seasons, while delay straw incorporation prevented CH4 and CO2 emissions during post-harvest. None of the treatments increased N2O emission. Environmental implications of post-harvest management options are discussed.

Conclusions
Post-harvest management affects net GWP of the paddy rice cultivation by modifying GHG emissions in post-harvest and next growing season without compromise sequestration C budget. The combination of non-winter flooding and late straw incorporation strategies were more effective in reducing both CH4 and CO2 emissions, due to avoiding higher temperatures at the time of the straw incorporation during post-harvest and increasing soil Eh conditions at the following growing season.
The role of microbes in the increase of organic phosphorus availability in the rhizosheath of cover crops
Authors: Hallama Moritz , Pekrun Carola , Mayer-Gruner Paula , Uksa Marie , Abdullaeva Yulduz , Pilz Stefan , Schloter Michael , Lambers Hans , Kandeler Ellen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsThe characterisation of plant-available phosphorus (P) pools and the assessment of the microbial community in the rhizosheath of cover crops can improve our understanding of plant–microbe interactions and P availability.MethodsMustard (Sinapis alba), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) were grown as cover crops before soybean (Glycine max) in an on-farm experiment on a soil low in available P in southwest Germany. The cycling of P through the cover crop biomass and the enzyme-availability of organic P (Porg) pools in the cover crop rhizosheath were characterised. The soil microbial community (PLFA), activity (acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase, as well as phosphodiesterase), and microbial P were assessed. The abundance of 16S-rRNA andphoD, coding for alkaline phosphomonoesterase in bacteria, were quantified using real-time qPCR.ResultsMustard contained the greatest amount of P in its large biomass. In the rhizosheath of all cover crops, the concentration of enzyme-labile Porgwas higher than that in the control bulk soil, along with substantial increases of microbial abundance and activity. There were little differences among cover crop species, few changes in the bulk soil and only a limited carryover effect to soybean, except for fungi.ConclusionsTurnover of microbial biomass, especially saprotrophic fungi, increased by rhizodeposition of cover crop roots; this was likely responsible for the observed increases in enzyme-available Porg. Microbial function was correlated linearly with microbial biomass, and the data of enzyme activity andphoDdid not suggest a difference of their specific activity between bulk and rhizosheath soil.
Particles and Photons as Drivers for Particle Release from the Surfaces of the Moon and Mercury
Authors: Wurz P. , Fatemi S. , Galli A. , Halekas J. , Harada Y. , Jäggi N. , Jasinski J. , Lammer H. , Lindsay S. , Nishino M. N. , Orlando T. M. , Raines J. M. , Scherf M. , Slavin J. , Vorburger A. , Winslow R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Moon and Mercury are airless bodies, thus they are directly exposed to the ambient plasma (ions and electrons), to photons mostly from the Sun from infrared range all the way to X-rays, and to meteoroid fluxes. Direct exposure to these exogenic sources has important consequences for the formation and evolution of planetary surfaces, including altering their chemical makeup and optical properties, and generating neutral gas exosphere. The formation of a thin atmosphere, more specifically a surface bound exosphere, the relevant physical processes for the particle release, particle loss, and the drivers behind these processes are discussed in this review.