bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection and validation reference genes for qRT-PCR normalization in different cultivars during fruit ripening and softening of peach (Prunus persica)
Authors: You Shuanghong , Cao Ke , Chen Changwen , Li Yong , Wu Jinlong , Zhu Gengrui , Fang Weichao , Wang Xinwei , Wang Lirong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractQuantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) has been emerged as an effective method to explore the gene function and regulatory mechanisms. However, selecting appropriate reference gene (s) is a prerequisite for obtaining accurate qRT-PCR results. Peach is one of important fruit in Rosaceae and is widely cultivated worldwide. In this study, to explore reliable reference gene (s) in peach with different types during fruit ripening and softening (S1–S4), nine candidate reference genes (EF-1α, GAPDH, TBP, UBC, eIF-4α, TUB-A, TUB-B, ACTIN, and HIS) were selected from the whole-genome data. Then, the expression levels of the nine selected genes were detected using qRT-PCR in three peach types, including ‘Hakuho’ (melting type), ‘Xiacui’ (stony hard type), ‘Fantasia’ and ‘NJC108’ (non-melting type) cultivars were detected using qRT-PCR. Four software (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder) were applied to evaluate the expression stability of these candidate reference genes. Gene expression was characterized in different peach types during fruit ripening and softening stages. The overall performance of each candidate in all samples was evaluated. The Actin gene (ACTIN) was a suitable reference gene and displayed excellent stability in ‘Total’ set, ‘Hakuho’ samples, S3 and S4 fruit developmental stages. Ubiquitin C gene (UBC) showed the best stability in most independent samples, including ‘Fantasia’, ‘NJC108’, S2 sets. Elongation factor-1α gene (EF-1α) was the most unstable gene across the set of all samples, ‘NJC108’ and S2 sets, while showed the highest stability in ‘Xiacui’ samples. The stability of candidate reference genes was further verified by analyzing the relative expression level of ethylene synthase gene of Prunus persica (PpACS1) in fruit ripening and softening periods of ‘Hakuho’. Taken together, the results from this study provide a basis for future research on the mining of important functional genes, expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms in peach.
Innovative therapeutic strategy using prostaglandin I2 agonist (ONO1301) combined with nano drug delivery system for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Kanaya Tomomitsu , Miyagawa Shigeru , Kawamura Takuji , Sakai Yoshiki , Masada Kenta , Nawa Nobutoshi , Ishida Hidekazu , Narita Jun , Toda Koichi , Kuratani Toru , Sawa Yoshiki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractClinical outcomes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may be improved using targeted delivery system. We investigated the efficacy of ONO1301 (prostacyclin agonist) nanospheres (ONONS) in Sugen5416/hypoxia rat models of PAH. The rats were injected with saline (control) or ONONS (n = 10, each) on days 21 and 28, respectively. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-expressing fibroblasts and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Cardiac performance was assessed and targeted delivery was monitored in vivo, using Texas red-labeled nanoparticles. Compared with control, HGF-expressing fibroblasts and HGF expression levels were significantly higher in the ONONS group, while the levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β, and platelet-derived growth factor were lower. Histological assessment revealed significant amelioration of the percent medial wall thickness in pulmonary vasculature of rats in the ONONS group. Rats in the ONONS group showed decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive smooth muscle cells and improved right ventricle pressure/left ventricle pressure. No difference was seen in the accumulation of Texas red-labeled nanoparticles in the brain, heart, liver, and spleen between PAH and normal rats. However, a significant area of nanoparticles was detected in the lungs of PAH rats. ONONS effectively ameliorated PAH, with selective delivery to the damaged lung.
Effect of isometric exercises on the masseter muscle in older adults with missing dentition: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takano Satoru , Yamaguchi Kohei , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Yoshimi Kanako , Nakane Ayako , Okumura Takuma , Tohara Haruka 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMaintaining oral function in older individuals with missing teeth is important for leading a healthy and independent life. This study aimed to evaluate whether simple isometric exercises can maintain and improve the oral function [maximum occlusal force (MOF) and masticatory ability (MA)] and the masticatory muscle properties [masseter muscle thickness (MMT) and echo intensity (MMEI)] in older adults during the maintenance phase of removable prosthetic treatment. Participants were randomly categorized into the intervention and control groups. The mouthpieces were distributed, and participants were instructed to use them for exercising. The intervention group was instructed to perform maximum clenching for 10 s, whereas the control group was instructed to tap the teeth at an arbitrary speed for 10 s. Both were repeated five times at an interval of 5 s between each activity and twice daily for 4 weeks. The outcomes were measured after a month of exercise. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in the MOF, MMT during contraction, MMT at rest and MMEI during contraction. There were no significant differences in the MA and MMEI at rest. In the control group, no improvement was observed in any of the parameters. When the isometric exercises were performed using a mouthpiece, there was an improvement in the oral function and masseter muscle properties in older individuals with Eichner B status who used dentures.
Failure of molecular dynamics to provide appropriate structures for quantum mechanical description of the aqueous chloride ion charge-transfer-to-solvent ultraviolet spectrum
Authors: Marin Timothy W. , Janik Ireneusz , Bartels David M. , Chipman Daniel M. 
Published: March 2021

Disagreement with experiment of quantum calculations on the aqueous chloride ion charge-transfer-to-solvent spectrum width is attributed to an inadequate variety of structures provided by the underlying classical molecular mechanical simulations.
A Survey of American Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment and Intervention Across Language Domains
Authors: Kovacs Thomas 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
The aim of the study was to collect information about American speech-language pathologists' preprofessional training, practice, self-perceived competence, adequacy of resources, and interest in continuing education related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment and intervention strategies addressing each of the five language domains: semantics, pragmatics, phonology, morphology, and syntax.

Method
An anonymous online survey of American speech-language pathologists was conducted.

Results
A majority of participants rated their preprofessional training for assessing semantic and pragmatic skills positively. Otherwise, a majority of participants rated preprofessional training for assessment and intervention negatively across language domains. High interest in continuing education opportunities addressing assessment and intervention was found across language domains. A discrepancy between responses to questions addressing semantic and pragmatic skills and responses to questions addressing phonological, morphological, and syntactic skills was consistently found for ratings of preprofessional training, practice, perceived competence, and adequacy of resources. In all cases, higher frequencies of positive ratings were found for questions addressing semantic and pragmatic skills.

Conclusions
Improved preprofessional training and continuing education opportunities are needed to support AAC assessment and intervention across language domains. Perspectives and practice patterns reflect a historical emphasis on semantic and pragmatic skills in the external evidence base, even though there are several recent journal articles addressing morphology and syntax in clients who use AAC.
Multi‐agent deep reinforcement learning‐based energy efficient power allocation in downlink MIMO‐NOMA systems
Authors: Jo Sonnam , Jong Chol , Pak Changsop , Ri Hakchol 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNOMA and MIMO are considered to be the promising technologies to meet huge access demands and high data rate requirements of 5G wireless networks. In this paper, the power allocation problem in a downlink MIMO‐NOMA system to maximize the energy efficiency while ensuring the quality‐of‐service of all users is investigated. Two deep reinforcement learning‐based frameworks are proposed to solve this non‐convex and dynamic optimization problem, referred to as the multi‐agent DDPG/TD3‐based power allocation framework. In particular, with current channel conditions as input, every single agent of two multi‐agent frameworks dynamically outputs the optimum power allocation policy for all users in every cluster by DDPG/TD3 algorithm, and the additional actor network is also added to the conventional multi‐agent model in order to adjust power volumes allocated to clusters to improve overall performance of the system. Finally, both frameworks adjust the entire power allocation policy by updating the weights of neural networks according to the feedback of the system. Simulation results show that the proposed multi‐agent deep reinforcement learning based power allocation frameworks can significantly improve the energy efficiency of the MIMO‐NOMA system under various transmit power limitations and minimum data rates compared with other approaches, including the performance comparison over MIMO‐OMA.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency: Comment on ‘Engineering biology and the grand challenges: Do we need a new R&D&I model?’
Authors: Klabukov Ilya , Krasilnikova Olga 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis comment paper refers to the article published by Gauvreau et al. in Engineering Biology in 2018. Gauvreau et al. discussed various civilian models in the private and public sectors that could boost R&D plus Innovation (R&D&I) progress in the environmental sphere. The authors concluded that there is no tried‐and‐tested R&D&I model for engineering biology that is suited to help solve the problems of many grand and interacting challenges, and further, that the required model will not work without the private sector, so governments must collaborate to develop such a model. However, the authors have not mentioned one of the most famous classic Research & Development (R&D) models used in the creation of disruptive technologies—a unique model of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the US Department of Defense. The present commentary poses questions about the models currently used in innovative research, known as DARPA‐like R&D agencies, and the innovative ecosystems around them.
Asteroid absolute magnitudes and phase curve parameters from Gaia photometry
Authors: Martikainen J. , Muinonen K. , Penttilä A. , Cellino A. , Wang X.-B. 
Published: March 2021

Aims. We perform light curve inversion for 491 asteroids to retrieve phase curve parameters, rotation periods, pole longitudes and latitudes, and convex and triaxial ellipsoid shapes by using the sparse photometric observations from Gaia Data Release 2 and the dense ground-based observations from the DAMIT database. We develop a method for the derivation of reference absolute magnitudes and phase curves from the Gaia data, allowing for comparative studies involving hundreds of asteroids.
Methods. For both general convex shapes and ellipsoid shapes, we computed least-squares solutions using either the Levenberg-Marquardt optimization algorithm or the Nelder-Mead downhill simplex method. Virtual observations were generated by adding Gaussian random errors to the observations, and, later on, a Markov chain Monte Carlo method was applied to sample the spin, shape, and scattering parameters. Absolute magnitude and phase curve retrieval was developed for the reference geometry of equatorial illumination and observations based on model magnitudes averaged over rotational phase.
Results. The derived photometric slope values showed wide variations within each assumed Tholen class. The computed Gaia G-band absolute magnitudes matched notably well with the V-band absolute magnitudes retrieved from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Small-Body Database. Finally, the reference phase curves were well fitted with the H, G1, G2 phase function. The resulting G1, G2 distribution differed, in an intriguing way, from the G1, G2 distribution that is based on the phase curves corresponding to light curve brightness maxima.
Non-synchronous rotations in massive binary systems
Authors: Putkuri C. , Gamen R. , Morrell N. I. , Benvenuto O. G. , Barbá R. H. , Arias J. I. 
Published: March 2021

Context. The OWN Survey has detected several O-type stars with composite spectra whose individual components show very different line broadening. Some of these stars have been revealed as binary systems whose components are asynchronous. This fact may be related to the processes acting in these systems (e.g., angular-momentum transfer, tidal forces, etc.) or to the origin of the binaries themselves.
Aims. We aim to determine the orbital and physical parameters of the massive star HD 96264A in order to confirm its binary nature and to constrain the evolutionary status of its stellar components.
Methods. We computed the spectroscopic orbit of the system based on the radial velocity analysis of 37 high-resolution, high-S/N, multi-epoch optical spectra. We disentangled the composite spectrum and determined the physical properties of the individual stellar components using FASTWIND models incorporated to the IACOB-GBAT tool. We also computed a set of evolutionary models to estimate the age of the system and explore its tidal evolution.
Results. HD 96264A is a binary system composed of an O9.2 IV primary and a B0 V(n) secondary, with minimum masses of 15.0 ± 0.5 M⊙ and 9.9 ± 0.4 M⊙, respectively, in a wide and eccentric orbit (P = 124.336 ± 0.008 d; e = 0.265 ± 0.005). The primary and secondary components have different projected rotational velocities (∼40 and ∼215 km s−1 respectively), and the physical properties derived through quantitative spectroscopic analyses include masses of ∼20.5 M⊙ and 16.8 M⊙, respectively. The evolutionary models indicate an approximate age of 4.5 Myr for both stars in the pair, corresponding to current masses and radii of 26.0 M⊙ and 10.8 R⊙ for the primary, and 17.9 M⊙ and 7.0 R⊙ for the secondary.
Conclusions. The youth and wide orbit of the system indicate that the non-synchronous rotational nature of its components is a consequence of the stellar formation process rather than tidal evolution. This circumstance should be accounted for in theories of binary star formation.
“Extraordinary” modulation instability in optics and hydrodynamics
Authors: Vanderhaegen Guillaume , Naveau Corentin , Szriftgiser Pascal , Kudlinski Alexandre , Conforti Matteo , Mussot Arnaud , Onorato Miguel , Trillo Stefano , Chabchoub Amin , Akhmediev Nail 
Published: March 2021

Significance
Modulation instability (MI) is a ubiquitous phenomenon in physics, corresponding to the growth of a weakly modulated continuous wave in a nonlinear medium and leading to the generation of a large-amplitude periodic wave train. In space, it transforms weakly modulated plane waves into spatially periodic patterns. In frequency domain, the MI is the result of energy transfer from a strong single spectral component into sidebands. While linear stability analysis predicts a limited band of unstable frequencies of modulation, recent developments based on a nonlinear theory revealed the existence of MI beyond this limited frequency range. These experimental studies are the first experimental demonstrations of the “extraordinary” MI phenomenon. Achieved both in optics and hydrodynamics, they clearly further highlight the interdisciplinary of this process.
Diversity in health care institutions reduces Israeli patients’ prejudice toward Arabs
Authors: Weiss Chagai M. 
Published: March 2021

Significance
Diversity in public institutions is thought to improve provision for minority group members. However, the effects of such diversity on majority group members’ prejudice toward minorities are unclear. In this paper, I demonstrate that diversity in health care institutions can facilitate positive intergroup contact between majority group members and minorities in elevated social positions. In turn, this unique contact serves to reduce prejudice. These findings emphasize how the demographic makeup of public institutions and specifically, institutions providing health care can affect mass attitudes, even in a context of intractable conflict.
Structural relaxation and crystallization in supercooled water from 170 to 260 K
Authors: Kringle Loni , Thornley Wyatt A. , Kay Bruce D. , Kimmel Greg A. 
Published: March 2021

Significance
Water plays a prominent role in many areas of physical and biological sciences. Water, though commonplace, is also highly unusual in comparison to most liquids. Promising models to explain water’s anomalous properties propose that it is a heterogeneous, temperature-dependent mixture of two structural motifs. Key phenomena related to this structural heterogeneity are predicted to occur for deeply supercooled water where fast crystallization has prevented experiments. We use a pulsed laser heating technique to examine the rate of structural relaxation for supercooled water at previously inaccessible temperatures. The results suggest that the complex relaxation kinetics are governed by a distribution of energetic barriers for rearrangement within a structurally heterogeneous environment. Furthermore, the structural relaxation is always fast compared to crystallization.
Teia anartoides (painted apple moth).
Authors: Suckling D 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

T. anartoides, widely known as the painted apple moth (PAM), is native to south-eastern Australia where it is a common pest on urban garden plants. It attacks a wide range of crop plants and could be a significant threat to the horticultural industry. It was detected in Glendene, Auckland, New Zealand in April 1999 and it was the target of an eradication programme from 1999-2006. Aerial spraying of the insecticidal pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) began in January 2002 and a total of up to 12,000 ha was treated during 40 aerial applications and the sterile insect technique was also used.
Harpophora maydis (late wilt of maize).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

Abstract

H. maydis is a soilborne and apparently seedborne fungus, related to the root-infecting species in the genus Gaeumannomyces. It is known from only a few scattered countries, where it can cause significant losses, but may have been unobserved in others in which the primary host, maize [Zea mays], is grown. This fungus was reported recently from Portugal and Spain (Molinero-Ruiz et al., 2010). No dispersal by fungal propagules has been demonstrated, so that, other than in soil, its likely means of spread over borders would be in seed. Importation of the fungus with seed is considered to be the source in Hungary (Pécsi and Németh, 1998). Although research has been carried out on chemical and biological control methods, the development and use of resistant varieties is the most practical means of control. Regulation and testing of imported seed should prevent transport of the pathogen to new regions.
Chrysomyxa rhododendri (European rhododendron rust).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: March 2021

Abstract

C. rhododendri is a heteroecious rust fungus; an obligate parasite completing stages of its life cycle on different plants. Mating of haploid strains occurs on species of Picea, followed by the production of asexual aeciospores that infect Rhododendron species. Another asexual form producing urediniospores occurs on Rhododendron, followed by the production of teliospores (the sexual stage). All stages are known from Europe. The fungus was reported in 1954 on Rhododendron in the northwestern USA, but the aecial form has not been found in North America. The fungus is a Regulated Pest for the USA; it has been introduced into the UK, New Zealand and Australia. As an invasive species, this rust is damaging on species of Picea and Rhododendron. As latent infections on Rhododendron can be overlooked, accidental introduction of the rust may occur through the importation of these popular ornamental plants (Savile, 1973).
Didymascella thujina (cedar leaf blight).
Authors: Kope Harry H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

In North America seedling mortality rates of up to 97% have been recorded resulting in large economic losses to growers. Seedling mortality of nursery-grown seedlings also occurs when they are planted into reforestation areas. Seedling mortality greatly reduces the number of plants suitable for planting. Kope and Trotter (1998b) have shown that the growth and yield of younger (< 4 years of age) western red cedar trees can be affected by cedar leaf blight. A decrease of 30% in stem diameter, 50% in shoot biomass and 35% in root biomass has been recorded for blight-affected trees compared to unblighted trees in reforestation sites. This decrease in tree growth and yield can contribute to additional years of tree maintenance in reforestation sites, before the trees can compete with other plants and the site is considered adequately reforested.
Globodera rostochiensis (yellow potato cyst nematode).
Authors: Rowe Janet 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

G. rostochiensis is a world wide pest of temperate areas, including both temperate countries and temperate regions of tropical countries, for example India's Nigrilis region. Distribution is linked to that of the potato crop. Potato cyst nematode is considered to have originated from the Andes region of South America, from where it spread to Europe with potatoes. The ease with which it has been transported across continents proves what a resilient pest it is. The cyst form which adheres to host roots, stolons and tubers and to soil particles during transportation gives rise to new infestations where climate and food source are both available and favourable. Secondary means of dispersal is through the movement of contaminated farm machinery, farming implements and contaminated footwear. Cysts are also successfully spread by wind dispersal, during winter storms or sand storms where top soil is redistributed. Rain which causes flooding and water to run off fields into trenches or irrigation channels also redistributes cysts into adjoining areas.
Hop stunt viroid (hop stunt viroid).
Authors: Radišek Sebastjan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) is a covalently closed, single-stranded RNA molecule of 297 nucleotides (Sano et al., 1985). Variants consisting of 294-303 nucleotides have been described from different hosts (Kofalvi et al., 1997; Amari et al., 2001). HSVd has a rod-like conformation with five domains, a central conserved region (CCR) similar to members of genera Pospiviroid and Cocadviroid, and a terminal conserved hairpin (TCH) which is also present in the genus Cocadviroid (Flores et al., 1997). Replication is known to occur through an asymmetric, rolling-circle model because longer-than-unit minus strands have been found in infected tissue (Flores et al., 2005). HSVd was named due to the first identification of the pathogen on hop plants originating from Japan (Yamamoto et al., 1973). In a wide range of host species, infection by HSVd appears to be latent, whereas in hop, Citrus and Prunus species it causes specific disorders and economic damage (Hadidi et al., 2003).