bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of ammonia treatment and platinum group or nickel metal decoration on the activated carbon storage of carbon dioxide and methane
Authors: Aboud Mohamed F Aly , ALOthman Zeid A , Bagabas Abdulaziz A 
Published: August 2022

AbstractGreenhouse gases, chiefly carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), emission is responsible for the global warming and heat waves which strike the world causing floods and droughts everywhere with more CO2attributions. The adsorption and desorption capacities of CO2and CH4at room temperature and up to 5.0 and 100 bar, respectively, were investigated for the untreated and ammonia-treated activated carbons (ACs), metal-anchored (metal: Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir or Ni) samples. We merged ammonia treatment and metal decoration to discover their influences on the CO2and CH4storage capability of ACs and the potential use of such modified ACs for capturing greenhouse gases and purifying natural gas from CO2. The CO2storage capacities ranged between 25.2 and 27.7 wt% at 5.0 bar with complete regeneration upon desorption, while the uptakes for CH4were in the range of 9.6 − 12.6 wt% at 35 bar with hysteresis behavior of the adsorbed gas. The highest adsorption capacities were achieved for the pristine samples, showing that metal decoration reduced slightly the adsorption. Ammonia-treated samples showed minor enhancing effect on the CH4adsorption in comparison to the CO2adsorption. The higher adsorption capacities of CO2than those of CH4could be employed for upgrading the natural gas, while the 9.6 wt% (2.2 mmol g−1) CO2storage capacity would allow for its removal from the flue gases at ambient temperature and pressure. The higher adsorption capacity and preferentiality of CO2over CH4could be attributed mainly to its higher quadrupole moment and its higher clustering above the AC surfaces, while a minor effect, if any, would be attributed to the modifications of the ACs, implying that physisorption mechanism acted significantly in the adsorption process in comparison to chemisorption mechanism at the studied conditions.
Effect of processing parameters on the properties of electrolytically prepared Mg(OH)2 powders
Authors: Guo Lili , Li Zhen , Deng Xinzhong , Chen Na , Yang Li , Su Yang , Wang Xiaomin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper, Mg(OH)2 was prepared by the diaphragm electrolysis method using bischofite (MgCl2·6H2O). The influence of electrolysis process conditions such as current density, electrolysis temperature and electrolyte concentration on powder particle size is discussed. The electrolytic product Mg(OH)2 powder was characterized by laser particle size analysis, XRD, SEM, BET, XRF, and DSC-TGA. The results show that the particle size of Mg(OH)2 powder first increases and then decreases with increasing current density and reaches a maximum D50 value of 20.1 μm at a current density of 0.04 A cm−2. The Mg(OH)2 powder particle size first decreases, then increases and then decreases with increasing electrolysis temperature, at an electrolysis temperature of 60 °C and 70 °C, the particle size reaches a maximum D50 value of 23.8 μm and a minimum D50 value of 7.7 μm, respectively. The Mg(OH)2 powder particle size first increases and then decreases with increasing electrolyte concentration and reaches a maximum D50 value of 22.3 μm at an electrolyte concentration of 0.7 mol l−1. The Mg(OH)2 powder prepared at a current density of 0.3 A cm−2, electrolyte concentration of 0.3 mol l−1 and an electrolysis temperature of 30 °C shows an average particle size of 13.8 μm, a purity higher than 98.66%, and a sheet-like structure. The surface area is 58 m2 g−1. The Mg(OH)2 powder can be decomposed at 300 °C–400 °C and calcined at 400 °C for 2 h, through SEM and Scherrer formula calculation, the calcined product is nano-MgO powder with good crystallinity.
The Effect of SBIRT on Harmful Alcohol Consumption in the Community Health Centers of Shanghai, China: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Zhai Jing , Wang Wenzheng , Zhang Lei , Fu Rao , Zeng Qingzhi , Huang Leping , Zhao Min , Du Jiang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objective
The present study was a randomized controlled trial with a longitudinal design aimed at examining the effectiveness of Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) on harmful alcohol use in the community health centres in Shanghai, China, and further compared the effects of a multi-session brief intervention (MBI) and a single-session brief intervention (SBI).

Methods
A total of 362 participants were recruited from four districts of Shanghai and randomly assigned to MBI, SBI and routine care (RC) groups. The MBI group received the brief intervention twice. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 1 and 3 months after the intervention.

Results
Compared with the SBI and the RC groups, the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) scores (F = 6.422, P = 0.002), SDS scores (F = 5.779, P = 0.003) and SAS scores (F = 4.004, P = 0.019) were significant improved in the MBI group at 1and 3-month follow-up assessment. In the SBI group, the SDS scores decreased significantly compared with the RC group, and there were no significant differences in ASSIST scores, drinking knowledge scores and SAS scores 1-month follow-up assessment.

Conclusion
The findings suggested that SBIRT with two sessions of BI had considerable effects on individuals with harmful alcohol use. It provided clinical evidence for future use in China and other Asian countries with similar situations.
Linkages between traits and decomposition of weed communities along a soil management and pedoclimate gradient in Mediterranean vineyards
Authors: Bopp Marie-Charlotte , Fried Guillaume , Metay Aurélie , Bastianelli Denis , Bonnal Laurent , Kazakou Elena 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background and Aims
Decomposition is a major ecosystem process which improves soil quality. Despite that, only a few studies have analysed decomposition in an agricultural context, while most agrosystems (e.g. vineyards) are facing decreasing soil quality. The objective of this study is to understand the impacts of both pedoclimate and weed management on the mass loss of vineyard weed communities during the early stages of the decomposition process through their functional properties.

Methods
In 16 Mediterranean vineyards representing both a pedoclimate and a soil management gradient, we measured the mass loss of green above-ground biomass of 50 weed communities during decomposition in standard conditions and key leaf traits of dominant species [e.g. leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf lignin to nitrogen ratio (lignin:N)]. Both the mean [i.e. community-weighted mean (CWM)] and diversity (i.e. Rao index) were computed at the community level. Path analysis was used to quantify the effects of agro-environmental filters on the mass loss of weed communities through their functional properties.

Key Results
Tillage and mowing filtered more decomposable communities than chemical weeding (16 and 8 % of higher mass loss after 2 months of decomposition). Path analysis selected weed management practice type as the main factor determining mass loss through its effect on functional properties, while soil and climate had minor and no effects, respectively. Chemical weeding favoured communities with higher investment in resistant leaves (e.g. 38 % higher lignin:N, 22 % lower leaf nitrogen content) which resulted in lower mass loss compared with tilled and mowed communities. Mowing favoured communities with 47 % higher biomass and with 46 % higher nitrogen content.

Conclusions
Weed management significantly influenced weed mass loss, while the pedoclimate had little effect. Our results suggest that mowing is a promising alternative to herbicide use, favouring higher biomass, nitrogen content and decomposability potential of weeds.
Cost–benefit analysis of mesophyll conductance: diversities of anatomical, biochemical and environmental determinants
Authors: Mizokami Yusuke , Oguchi Riichi , Sugiura Daisuke , Yamori Wataru , Noguchi Ko , Terashima Ichiro 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundPlants invest photosynthates in construction and maintenance of their structures and functions. Such investments are considered costs. These costs are recovered by the CO2 assimilation rate (A) in the leaves, and thus A is regarded as the immediate, short-term benefit. In photosynthesizing leaves, CO2 diffusion from the air to the carboxylation site is hindered by several structural and biochemical barriers. CO2 diffusion from the intercellular air space to the chloroplast stroma is obstructed by the mesophyll resistance. The inverses is the mesophyll conductance (gm). Whether various plants realize an optimal gm, and how much investment is needed for a relevant gm, remain unsolved.ScopeThis review examines relationships among leaf construction costs (CC), leaf maintenance costs (MC) and gm in various plants under diverse growth conditions. Through a literature survey, we demonstrate a strong linear relationship between leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf CC. The overall correlation of CC vs. gm across plant phylogenetic groups is weak, but significant trends are evident within specific groups and/or environments. Investment in CC is necessary for an increase in LMA and mesophyll cell surface area (Smes). This allows the leaf to accommodate more chloroplasts, thus increasing A. However, increases in LMA and/or Smes often accompany other changes, such as cell wall thickening, which diminishes gm. Such factors that make the correlations of CC and gm elusive are identified.ConclusionsFor evaluation of the contribution of gm to recover CC, leaf life span is the key factor. The estimation of MC in relation to gm, especially in terms of costs required to regulate aquaporins, could be essential for efficient control of gm over the short term. Over the long term, costs are mainly reflected in CC, while benefits also include ultimate fitness attributes in terms of integrated carbon gain over the life of a leaf, plant survival and reproductive output.
Zona pellucida removal by acid Tyrode’s solution affects pre- and post-implantation development and gene expression in mouse embryos
Authors: Fan Weihong , Huang Tengda , Wu Tian , Bai Hanako , Kawahara Manabu , Takahashi Masashi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The zona pellucida plays a crucial role in the process of fertilization to early embryonic development, including cellular arrangement and communication between blastomeres. However, little is known regarding the role of the zona pellucida in pre- and post-implantation embryonic development associated with gene expression. We investigated the effect of zona pellucida removal on pre- and post-implantation development of mouse embryos. After zona pellucida removal of two-cell stage embryos was performed by acid Tyrode’s solution, which is commonly used for zona pellucida treatment, compaction occurred earlier in zona pellucida-free than zona pellucida-intact embryos. In addition, the expression of differentiation-related genes in the inner cell mass and trophectoderm was significantly altered in zona pellucida-free blastocyst compared with zona pellucida-intact embryos. After embryo transfer, the rate of implantation and live fetuses was lower in zona pellucida-free embryos than in control embryos, whereas the fetal weight at E17.5 was not different. However, placental weight significantly increased in zona pellucida-free embryos. RNA-sequencing analysis of the placenta showed that a total of 473 differentially expressed genes significantly influenced the biological process. The present study suggests that zona pellucida removal by acid Tyrode’s solution at the two-cell stage not only disturbs the expression pattern of inner cell mass-/trophectoderm-related genes but affects the post-implantation development of mouse embryos. Overall, this study provides deeper insight into the role of the zona pellucida during early embryonic development and the viability of post-implantation development.
Recognising or Minimising Ethical Trespass? An Exploration of Professionals’ Moral Agency in Prioritising Cases
Authors: Gevaert Koen , Keinemans Sabrina , Roose Rudi 
Published: August 2022

AbstractDeciding about priority cases in waiting lists is a controversial activity. However, it is a well-known challenge for many social workers. This article addresses two questions related to this problem: how do social workers, as moral agents, experience the policy context in which they must prioritise cases, and what stance do they take towards it? Building on a previous study where a practice of case prioritisation was observed, semi-structured interviews were conducted (n = 11) to explore these questions. The data were analysed through an inductive process of deepening interpretation. The findings paint a picture of ambivalence: the professionals adhere to the policy guidelines of neutrality, priority for the worst-off and equal application of criteria, which are at the same time contradicted by their lived experience. The decision-making process appears to be much more contextual, particularistic and interpretative than the policy guidelines suggest. Questions are raised as to why this reality remains hidden after a discourse of simple rule-following.
Pioglitazone-incorporated microspheres targeting macrophage polarization alleviates cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction
Authors: Konegawa Yasushi , Kuwahara Toshie , Jo Jun-Ichiro , Murata Kozue , Takeda Takahide , Ikeda Tadashi , Minatoya Kenji , Masumoto Hidetoshi , Tabata Yasuhiko 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Excessive and chronic inflammation after a myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with left ventricular remodelling and impaired cardiac function. Among inflammatory cells, macrophages play a critical role in polarizing proinflammatory M1 or the reparative M2 subtype. Pioglitazone (PGZ) is reported to regulate macrophage polarization to the M2 subtype. Our goal was to validate the therapeutic effects and the mechanisms of PGZ utilizing a drug delivery system.

METHODS
Poly L-lactic-co-glycolic acid microspheres (MS) incorporating PGZ were prepared. To validate the therapeutic potential of PGZ-MS, Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to permanent left coronary artery ligation to induce an MI. Placebo-MS (100 μg) or PGZ-MS (100 μg) was injected to the infarct region just after induction. Cardiac function and size were assessed by echocardiography. At 28 days after surgery, the rats were sacrificed, and the excised hearts were evaluated histologically.

RESULTS
Sustained release of PGZ from the PGZ-MS was confirmed in vitro. PGZ-MS significantly rehabilitated cardiac dysfunction after an MI (fractional shortening: MI vs MI+placebo-MS vs MI+PGZ-MS, 24.4 ± 1.1 vs 24.3 ± 1.6 vs 32.2 ± 1.4%; P = 0.0035) with reverse remodelling. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that PGZ-MS enhanced macrophage polarization (ratio of M2 subtype: 0.39 ± 0.03 vs 0.42 ± 0.02 vs 0.54 ± 0.02; P = 0.0004) and attenuated apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in the ischaemic border zone.

CONCLUSIONS
We confirmed macrophage polarization by sustained release of PGZ, which resulted in amelioration of adverse left ventricular remodelling and cardiac dysfunction. Drug delivery system-based macrophage polarization might serve as a promising strategy in cardiac regenerative therapy for ischaemic heart disease. (241 words)
Comparative analysis of the fecal bacterial communities of hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Authors: Chen Yuan , Xia Zhongrong , Li Hongwei 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are important for maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems currently qualify as “critically endangered” by the IUCN. Their gut microbiota is closely linked to host nutrition and health, however, the gut microbiota of hawksbill sea turtles from a natural reserve remains unclear. Therefore, exploring their microbial community structure in a natural reserve may provide valuable information on strategies for protecting this species. In this study, we investigated hawksbill sea turtle fecal microbial communities from a natural reserve using 16S metagenomics and compared the gut microbiota from fecal samples of hawksbill and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). The results indicated that the structure of fecal microbial communities was significantly different between hawksbill and green sea turtles. In hawksbill sea turtles, the three dominant phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria, whereas the fecal microbial communities of green sea turtles were mainly composed of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. Among the hawksbill sea turtle fecal microbes, the predominant genera were Cetobacterium and Rikenell, whereas in green sea turtles, the predominant genera were Bacteroides and Paludibacter. In addition, predictive metagenomic analysis indicated that sugar catabolism was enriched in green sea turtle fecal microbiota, whereas pathways related to secondary metabolite production were enriched in hawksbill sea turtle fecal microbiota. Our study provides preliminary data on the fecal microbiota features of sea turtles from the natural reserve, which may contribute to the management of the food requirements and long-term conservation of hawksbill sea turtles.
Abnormal morphology and function in retinal ganglion cells derived from patients-specific iPSCs generated from individuals with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy
Authors: Nie Zhipeng , Wang Chenghui , Chen Jiarong , Ji Yanchun , Zhang Hongxing , Zhao Fuxin , Zhou Xiangtian , Guan Min-Xin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited eye disease that results from degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Mitochondrial ND4 11778G &gt; A mutation, which affects structural components of complex I, is the most prevalent LHON-associated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation worldwide. The m.11778G &gt; A mutation is the primary contributor underlying the development of LHON and X-linked PRICKLE3 allele (c.157C &gt; T, p.Arg53Trp) linked to biogenesis of ATPase interacts with m.11778G &gt; A mutation to cause LHON. However, the lack of appropriate cell and animal models of LHON has been significant obstacles for deep elucidation of disease pathophysiology, specifically the tissue-specific effects. Using RGC-like cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from members of one Chinese family (asymptomatic subjects carrying only m.11778G &gt; A mutation or PRICKLE3 p.Arg53Trp mutation, symptomatic individuals bearing both m.11778G &gt; A and PRICKLE3 p.Arg53Trp mutations and control lacking these mutations), we demonstrated the deleterious effects of mitochondrial dysfunctions on the morphology and functions of RGCs. Notably, iPSCs bearing only m.11778G &gt; A or p.Arg53Trp mutation exhibited mild defects in differentiation to RGC-like cells. The RGC-like cells carrying only m.11778G &gt; A or p.Arg53Trp mutation displayed mild defects in RGC morphology, including the area of soma and numbers of neurites, electrophysiological properties, ATP contents and apoptosis. Strikingly, those RGC-like cells derived from symptomatic individuals harboring both m.11778G &gt; A and p.Arg53Trp mutations displayed greater defects in the development, morphology and functions than those in cells bearing single mutation. These findings provide new insights into pathophysiology of LHON arising from RGC deficiencies caused by synergy between m.11778G &gt; A and PRICKLE3 p.Arg53Trp mutation.
Sustained air pollution exposures, fasting plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin, prevalence and incidence of diabetes: a nationwide study in China
Authors: Liu Feifei , Zhang Ke , Chen Gongbo , He Jie , Pan Mengnan , Zhou Feng , Wang Xiangxiang , Tong Jiahui , Guo Yuming , Li Shanshan , Xiang Hao 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
Evidence remains limited and inconsistent for the associations between sustained air pollution exposures and diabetes development. This study aimed to determine the potential effects of particulate matter with a diameter of ≤10 micrometres (PM10), particulate matter with a diameter of ≤2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on alterations of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), in particular, on prevalence and incidence of diabetes.

Methods
Cross-sectional analyses were conducted based on 9628 participants aged ≥45 years from the baseline survey (2011) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), whereas cohort analyses were based on 3510 individuals without diabetes at baseline in the third survey (2015). Residences of participants were geocoded and the air pollution exposures were estimated using a satellite-based spatiotemporal model. Linear, logistic and modified Poisson regression models, adjusting for multiple confounders, were applied to assess the associations between air pollution and FPG, HbA1c, prevalence and incidence of diabetes, respectively.

Results
Associations between PM10, PM2.5 and increased levels of FPG and HbA1c were identified. The levels of FPG and HbA1c increased by 0.025 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.007, 0.044) and 0.011 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.002, 0.019), respectively, for a 10-μg/m3 increase in PM10, and the levels of FPG and HbA1c increased by 0.061 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.028, 0.096) and 0.016 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.000, 0.031), respectively, for a 10-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5. There were also positive associations between diabetes prevalence and PM2.5 and PM10. In the cohort analyses, PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 were associated with a higher incidence of diabetes.

Conclusion
Air pollution was allied to diabetes development in elderly Chinese populations. Considering the impact of the dramatic increase in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes in China, interventions to improve air quality are urgently needed.
Societal Violence, National Identification, and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: A Cross-national Study
Authors: Kim Harris Hyun-Soo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractExisting research shows that anti-immigrant attitudes are driven by a wide variety of individual- and contextual-level factors. The present study introduces “societal violence”—the degree to which human rights are violated and physical survival is threatened in society—as a significant, yet neglected, explanatory concept in analyzing negative attitudes toward immigrants. Data are drawn from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) 2013. Two-level mixed effects models are estimated with random intercepts and slopes. Results show that societal violence significantly moderates the magnitude of the relationships between measures of national identification and negative sentiment toward immigrant among 27 280 respondents across 29 low- and high-income countries. More specifically, the associations are found to be greater in less violent societies.