bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Factors Contribute to High Mechanical Strength of Tabia? Case Study of the Tabia from Coastal Forts Sites at Zhejiang, China
Authors: Zhang Cuisong , Zhang Bingjian , Cui Biao , Lin Guocong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Tabia is one of the most widely used construction materials in ancient China. In this work, the tabia samples from three coastal defense fort sites at Zhejiang Province, China, we analyzed to determine their component composition and physiochemical properties. The results show that these tabia samples exhibited high compressive strength, which could be as high as 4–9 MPa. Furthermore, the systematic analysis demonstrated that the high compressive strength was related to the following factors: 1) a suitable mass ratio of sand, lime, and clay; 2) an appropriate sand particle size ratio; and 3) the formation of hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H). Moreover, sticky rice was also detected in the tabia samples. These findings are fundamentally important, which could be beneficial to further study of the craftsmanship of the coastal defense forts and could further provide essential guidance for the protection and restoration of the tabia relics.
Preserving the Endothelium in Saphenous Vein Graft with Both Conventional and No-Touch Preparation
Authors: Saito Toshiro , Kurazumi Hiroshi , Suzuki Ryo , Matsuno Yutaro , Mikamo Akihito , Hamano Kimikazu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Despite the inferior patency compared to arterial grafts, a saphenous vein graft (SVG) is widely used for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A lower atherosclerosis rate and higher patency have been reported for SVG obtained via the no-touch technique (NT) than via conventional preparation (CV). Although CV-mediated endothelial dysfunction is implied, the precise mechanism underlying the higher patency with NT is poorly understood. Methods Human residual SVGs during CABG and SVG sections after autopsy were analyzed. The endothelial surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and blindly compared between CV and NT. The endothelial integrity was also analyzed with immunohistochemistry.Results Unexpectedly, the hyperfine structure on SEM was comparable between CV and NT before grafting, and microvillus, a characteristic of endothelium, was indistinguishable between them. von Willebrand Factor, an endothelial marker, was equally detected throughout the vascular wall in both groups from residual and postmortem sections.Conclusions The morphological integrity of the endothelium was successfully preserved in SVG with CV, even at an ultrastructural level. Although its functionality remains to be addressed, other factors than the endothelium may be involved in the high patency obtained by NT. The present findings suggest that the characteristics of NT and surgical methodology should be reconsidered.
Heterologous Expression of Arabidopsis rty Enhances Drought Tolerance in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)
Authors: Li Maofu , Yang Yuan , Raza Ali , Yin Shanshan , Wang Hua , Zhang Yuntao , Dong Jing , Wang Guixia , Zhong Chuanfei , Zhang Hong , Liu Jiashen , Jin Wanmei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is an important fruit crop worldwide. It was particularly sensitive to drought stress because of their fibrous and shallow root systems. Mutation of Arabidopsis thaliana ROOTY ( RTY ) results in increased endogenous auxin levels and roots and shoot growth, but the effects of this gene in strawberry remain unclear. Results Here, we heterologously expressed Arabidopsis rty in strawberry plants and examined the effects of rty expression on the hormonal and physiological properties of the plants. Heterologous expression of rty induced IAA accumulation and increased the production of adventitious roots as well as trichomes on the abaxial leaf surface of the transgenic plants. Furthermore, the transgenic strawberry plants had increased ABA accumulation and stomatal closure. The transgenic strawberry plants exhibited enhanced water use efficiency and a reduced water loss rate. Additionally, peroxidase and catalase activities were significantly higher in the transgenic plants than in the untransformed controls, and the transgenic plants were more drought tolerant than the wild-type plants. Our results uncover a transgenic approaches can be used to overcome the inherent trade-off between plant growth and drought tolerance by enhancing water use efficiency and reducing water loss rate under water shortage conditions. Conclusions In this study, the rty gene improves hormone-mediated drought tolerance in transgenic strawberry. We demonstrated that the heterologous expression of rty in strawberry improved drought tolerance by promoting auxin and ABA accumulation. These phytohormones together brought about various physiological changes that improved drought tolerance via increased root production, trichome density, and stomatal closure. This study provides the basis for future genetic modifications of strawberry to improve drought tolerance.
What is the effect of stimulus complexity on attention to repeating and changing information in Autism?
Authors: Arora Iti , Bellato Alessio , Gliga Teodora , Ropar Danielle , Kochhar Puja , Hollis Chris , Groom Madeleine 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Previous research has suggested that atypical attention in autism might be driven by a preference for sameness over novelty. There is also evidence of slower habituation to a repeating stimulus in autism. It is not known whether slower habituation is driven by atypically slower processing of repeating information or whether it is a manifestation of an attentional bias away from novelty towards sameness.

Methods

We adapted an existing eye-tracking task and measured eye movements to two streams of stimuli presented simultaneously, one each in the left and right sides of the screen. One stimulus repeated while the second stimulus changed across trials. We manipulated the complexity of the stimuli between three conditions: a simple shapes condition, a social (smiling faces) condition and a complex non-social condition (clocks with moving parts). Using the slope of change in the longest look duration to each stimulus over trials, we measured whether autistic features were associated with slower habituation (to the repeating stimulus) and/or reduced attention to novelty (changing stimulus) over trials, and whether these effects were more pronounced in conditions with higher stimulus complexity (social and non-social complex conditions) compared with low complexity (simple shapes condition). We presented the task to two independent samples of children: 7-15 years old children and adolescents (n=103) diagnosed with Autism, ADHD or co-occurring Autism and ADHD and neurotypical children (Study 1); neurotypical children (n=64) with varying levels of subclinical traits of Autism (Study 2).

Results

Across the two studies, autistic features were associated with positive slopes of change in look durations (longer looks over time) to the repeating stimulus and negative slopes (shorter looks over time) to the changing stimulus, only in conditions with higher stimulus complexity. Negative slopes to the changing stimulus in conditions of higher stimulus complexity was associated with higher severity of social interaction difficulties (in Study 1).

Conclusions

Reduced attention to novelty in autism might partly be driven by difficulties in processing more complex information, which might contribute to the development of social interaction difficulties in autism. Replication in larger samples and longitudinal research using younger age groups are recommended.
Slit2-Robo1 signaling enhances nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis via PI3K/AKT/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Shi Mei , Zhao Li-Na , Ma Rui , Yang Hua , Liu Chang-Hao , Hu Jing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Distant metastasis remained the major cause of mortality in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) receiving radiotherapy despite favorable locoregional control in the past decades. Tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in tumor progression by secreting factors that regulate cancer cell metastasis. We explored the role of secreted protein Slit2 in NPC metastasis and the underlying mechanisms. Methods Colony formation assay were determined the opitimal dose. Using real-time PCR, western blotting, and ELISA, we detected the expression of Slit2 in NPC cells and in supernatant. Cell migration assay and cell invasion assay were examined the role of Slit2 in promoting metastasis of NPC cell lines. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, transwell and Co-IP assay et al. were performed to explore the detailed molecular mechanism of Slit2 in NPC. Finally, we estimated the effects on Slit2-shRNA NPC cells in vivo tumor metastasis experiment Results We found that irradiated dying NPC cells could secrete Slit2 to enhance the metastatic ability of surviving NPC cells. Mechanistic study showed that Slit2 interacted with its cognate Robo1 receptor, which activated PI3K/Akt pathway and enhanced the nuclear translocation of β-catenin to promote NPC metastasis. Finally, we demonstranted that knockdown of Slit2 in NPC cells significantly suppressed lung and liver metastasis. Conclusion Slit2, a secreted factor released from irradiated dying NPC cells could promote metastasis of living/resistent NPC cells through PI3K/AKT/β-catenin pathway. Tumor microenvironment altered by irradiated dying cancer cells may be promising target to treat cancer metastasis.
Hsa_circRNA_000166 facilitated cell growth and limited apoptosis through targeting miR-326 / LASP1 axis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hao Qin , Zhang Zhongtao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Circular RNAs(circRNAs) belong to non-coding RNAs and widely expressed in a variety of cell species, including cancers. However, the function and mechanism of circRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been well investigated.
Methods: Microarray data of CRC from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain DEGs. QRT-PCR and western blot assay were performed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of multiple genes, respectively. Cell growth and apoptosis assay were conducted to measure CRC cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Luciferase assay was utilized to confirm the direct interaction between hsa_circRNA_000166 and miR-326.
Results: We downloaded and analyzed the circRNA expression profile of CRC from the GEO database and identified 181 differentially expressed circRNAs between 10 pairs of CRC and adjacent normal tissues. Interestingly, we observed that the expression of hsa_circRNA_000166 was the top increased among these circRNAs. Then, we confirmed an upregulation of hsa_circRNA_000166 in CRC tissues and cell lines and observed that higher expression of hsa_circRNA_000166 was associated with poor 5-year survival rate of patients with CRC. Cell growth and apoptosis assay revealed that hsa_circRNA_000166 regulated the cell growth and apoptosis in CRC cell lines. Furthermore, we identified that hsa_circRNA_000166 targeted miR-326/LASP1 pathway using bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Finally, overexpression of miR-326 could sufficiently rescued the aberrant cell growth and apoptosis in CRC cell lines.
Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicated that downregulation of hsa_circRNA_000166 inhibited the cell growth and facilitated apoptosis during CRC development by sponging miR-326 / LASP1 pathway.
QTL mapping and candidate gene identification in rice using a Kalarata-Azucena population under salt stress
Authors: Ocampo Marjorie P. de , The Ho Viet , Thomson Michael J. , Mitsuya Shiro , Yamauchi Akira , Ismail Abdelbagi M 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Salt stress is a major constraint across large rice production areas in Asia, because of the high sensitivity of modern rice varieties. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with salt tolerance in rice, we developed an F2 population from a cross between the salt-tolerant landrace, Kalarata, and the salt-sensitive parent, Azucena. An F2 population was used for DNA extraction, and F2:3 families from this population were screened in a phytotron in a saline nutrient solution at the seedling stage.
Results

After 2 weeks at an EC of 12 dS m− 1, the F2:3 families were scored for salt tolerance using IRRI’s Standard evaluation system (SES). Growth, biomass, Na+ and K+ concentrations in leaf tissues, and chlorophyll concentration were determined. A genetic linkage map was constructed with 151 SSRs and InDel markers, which cover 1463 cM with an average distance of 9.69 cM between loci. A total of 13 QTL were identified using Composite Interval Mapping for 16 traits. The short arm of chromosome 1 had the highest density of QTL associated with salt tolerance, which coincides with the Saltol locus; emphasizing the importance of this locus for candidate gene discovery and for use in rice breeding. Several novel QTL were identified on other chromosomes.
Conclusions

The novel QTL identified in this study constitute future targets for molecular breeding, to combine them with other QTLs identified before, for higher and stable performance of rice varieties in salt affected soils. Candidate genes for the large effect QTL on chromosome 3 were found to be involved in diverse biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Several candidate genes in this locus were functionally associated with salt stress tolerance and should further be considered for genetic improvement of rice varieties.
Estimation of the R0 factor of the SIR Model in Italy and some its regions as consequence of the pandemic Sars-Covid-2
Authors: Rinzivillo Calogero , Conte Sergio , Kaleagasioglu Ferda , Morderniz Cengiz , Conte Elio 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
We compute the factor R0(t) by using the SIR model in Italy and its some regional countries in the period April May 2020. We find that it is descending to a minimum value of 0.22 in Italy and respectively of 0.10,0.15 ,and 0.07 for each region respectively
A six-mRNA signature-based model for the prognosis prediction of breast cancer
Authors: Huang Yan , Wan Xia , Wang Shixiang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDue to the lack of predictors, high mortality and poor prognosis have always been a serious threat to the breast cancer (BC) patients. Accumulating studies have shown that molecular markers which affect the tumor microenvironment (TME) play an important role in the development of cancer. Here, we aim to use machine learning to identify a new prognostic gene signature and independent prognostic factors related to BC survival through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.Results This 6-mRNA signature-based model is not only an important indicator to predict the prognosis and survival of BC, but also a potential indicator to monitor the clinical therapeutic effect with certain clinical significance.Conclusions A new 6-gene prognostic signature was discovered and it is a promising independent predictor. The 6 feature genes can function as important biomarkers for BC clinical treatment. At the same time, our study also provides a new insight to explore the molecular mechanism of TME and immune cells that influence BC progress.
Investigation On The Influence of A Novel Redirector With By-Pass Damping On The Performance of Load Sensing Steering System
Authors: Wang Yu-Qi , Liu Xin-Hui , Chen Jin-Shi , Huo Dong-Yang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The load sensing steering system of articulated loaders is prone to large pressure shock and oscillation during steering operations, affecting the stability of the steering system. To improve this phenomenon, an optimized structure of the redirector with by-pass damping is proposed, which adding orifices and throttle grooves to the original redirector. In the study, to control the steering load and working conditions, the steering load of the loader is replaced by using a pressure regulating valve. The simulation and experimental results shows that, compared with the traditional redirector, using the novel structure redirector with by-pass damping ensures good load sensing characteristics, the peak output pressure shock caused by the load unit step signal decreases from 65.04bar to 56.35bar, with a decrease rate of 13.4%, reducing the pressure oscillation of the hydraulic system. The pressure fluctuation time can be reduced from 2.09s to 1.6s, with a decrease rate of 23.4%, the output pressure oscillation decays faster, the smoothness of the steering operation is significantly improved.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SETELAH PENERAPAN PROBLEM BASED LEARNING BERBANTUAN LEMBAR KERJA PESERTA DIDIK BERMUATAN ETNOSAINS
Authors: . Defiyanti , Sumarni Woro 
Published: June 2020

Kemampuan berpikir kritis merupakan salah satu kompetensi yang dibutuhkan dalam menghadapi tantangan abad ke 21. Beberapa peneliti menyampaikan bahwa salah satu model pembelajajaran yang dapat mengembangkan kemampuan berpikir kritis adalah Problem Based Learning (PBL). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kemampuan berpikir kritis dan respon peserta didik setelah diterapkannya model PBL berbantuan LKPD bermuatan etnosains pada materi reaksi redoks. Penelitian ini adalah studi kasus dengan desain single holistic. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada peserta didik kelas X-MIPA 1 SMAN 10 Semarang yang berjumlah 36 orang yang dipilih secaara purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui teknik tes, observasi dan angket yang telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata kemampuan berpikir kritis peserta didik adalah sebesar 62,6 dan termasuk dalam kategori cukup. Indikator berinteraksi dengan rang lain dapat berkembang dengan baik, namun indikator menentukan induksi masih dalam kategori rendah. Peserta didik juga memberikan respon positif terhadap penerapan model PBL berbantuan LKPD bermuatan etnosains.
PROFIL KOMPETENSI 4C’S SISWA DENGAN PEMBELAJARAN MODEL READING-CONCEPT MAP-JIGSAW PADA MATERI SISTEM EKSKRESI
Authors: SHOLIKHA ARI IVAYANTI ARDIK 
Published: June 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pembelajaran model reading-concept map-jigsaw pada materi sistem ekskresi terhadap kompetensi 4C’s siswa SMA N 2 Ungaran. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian Quasi Experiment dengan desain penelitian Non-Equivalent Control Group Design. Populasi yang digunakan adalah seluruh kelas XI MIPA SMA N 2 Ungaran. Sampel yang digunakan adalah kelas XI MIPA 2 sebagai kelas kontrol dan XI MIPA 3 sebagai kelas eksperimen. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan cluster random sampling. Rata-rata nilai posttest kelas XI MIPA 2 adalah 80,76 dan kelas XI MIPA 3 adalah 90,21. Hasil uji independent sample t test menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan rata-rata yang signifikan antara nilai posttest kelas eksperimen dan kontrol, dengan nilai signifikansi 0,000 0,05. Uji n-gain dilakukan untuk mengetahui peningkatan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa, yang menunjukkan hasil rata-rata n-gain kelas XI MIPA 2 adalah 0,64 (sedang) dan rata-rata n-gain XI MIPA 3 adalah 0,81 (tinggi). Rata-rata nilai kuesioner keterampilan berpikir kreatif pada kelas XI MIPA 2 adalah 70,73 dan kelas XI MIPA 3 adalah 75,21. Hasil uji independent sample t test menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan rata-rata yang signifikan antara nilai kuesioner kelas eksperimen dan kontrol, dengan nilai signifikasi 0,008 0,05. Rata-rata nilai observasi keterampilan komunikasi pada kelas XI MIPA 2 adalah 74,77 dan kelas XI MIPA 3 adalah 85,53. Rata-rata nilai observasi keterampilan kolaborasi pada kelas XI MIPA 2 adalah 77,03 dan kelas XI MIPA 3 adalah 83,88. Hasil uji independent sample t test menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan rata-rata yang signifikan antara hasil nilai observasi keterampilan komunikasi dan kolaborasi kelas eksperimen dan kontrol, dengan nilai signifikasi 0,000 0,05. Hasil ini diperkuat dengan tanggapan guru dan siswa yang memberikan respon yang positif terhadap model pembelajaran remap jigsaw. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian disimpulkan pembelajaran model reading-concept map-jigsaw pada materi sistem ekskresi berpengaruh terhadap kompetensi 4C’s siswa SMA N 2 Ungaran. Kata kunci: kompetensi 4C’s, model reading-concept map-jigsaw, sistem ekskresi.
Positioning of University North for the contemporary labour market
Authors: Hunjet Anica , Milković Marin , Vuković Dijana 
Published: June 2020

The positioning of higher education institutions, taking into consideration social developments as well as changes in education, is essential to the development and growth of an education and knowledge-based economy. The dynamics of modern economy and the scientific and technological revolution have created a complex environment and imposed a continuous need for adaptation and innovation in the field of education and knowledge. The education system, as the primary driving force of growth, needs to continuously review its own efficiency and competitiveness. The aim of the paper is to underline the position of University North in the current higher education landscape in Croatia as a thriving and successful university which is setting the bar and creating new values and expectations to meet the challenges and opportunities of the current labour market. The strategic concept pursued by University North is learning-oriented teaching, which is responsive to changes in the environment, new student needs, new occupational profiles, new partners, market demands and the very factors that drive students to learn. To do this successfully, the University has to adopt the latest advancements in technology for learning, and introduce new undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate study programmes. The paper lists new study programmes that meet the student as well as labour market needs. University North occupies a distinctive position in the market owing to its innovative study programmes and active learning.
The changing nature of the water–energy nexus in urban water supply systems: a critical review of changes and responses
Authors: Wu Wenyan , Maier Holger R. , Dandy Graeme C. , Arora Meenakshi , Castelletti Andrea 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper provides a review of the changing nature of the water–energy nexus in urban water supply systems (UWSSs) due to the primary long-term drivers of climate change, population growth and technological development from the ‘energy for water’ perspective. We identify both the physical changes in UWSSs, as well as the changes in the attributes of the system, both of which contribute to the changing nature of the water–energy nexus. We provide an overview of responses to this change in the water–energy nexus through the lens of four application areas, namely long-term planning, system design, system operation and system rehabilitation, based on the review of 52 papers. Ten responses in three categories are found to be commonly considered in each of the four application areas. The three categories are energy or greenhouse gas reduction, integrated modelling and planning, and improving social benefits. The main drivers of these responses may vary with the application area. Based on the review outcomes, we outline the gaps in the responses in relation to the changing nature of the water–energy nexus in UWSSs, providing directions for future research on improving UWSS efficiency considering the long-term drivers.