bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ipa1 Improves Rice Drought Tolerance at Seedling Stage Mainly Through Activating Abscisic Acid Pathway
Authors: Zhu Menghao , He Yonggang , Zhu Mingqiang , Ahmad Ayaz , Xu Shuang , He Zijun , Jiang Shan , Huang Jinqiu , Li Zhihui , Liu Shaojia , Hou Xin , Zhang Zhihong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Drought is a major abiotic stress to crop production. IPA1 (IDEAL PLANT ARCHITECTURE 1)/OsSPL14 encodes a transcription factor and has been reported to function in both rice ideal plant architecture and biotic resistance. Here, with a pair of IPA1/ipa1-NILs (Near Iso-genic Lines), we found that ipa1 could significantly improve rice drought tolerance at seedling stage. The ipa1 plants had a better-developed root system and smaller leaf stomatal aperture. Analysis of carbon-nitrogen metabolism-associated enzyme activity, gene expression, and metabolic profile indicated that ipa1 could tip the carbon-nitrogen metabolism balance towards an increased carbon metabolism pattern. In both the control and PEG-treated conditions, ABA content in the ipa1 seedlings was significantly higher than that in the IPA1 seedlings. Expression of the ABA biosynthesis genes was detected to be up-regulated, whereas the expression of ABA catabolism genes was down-regulated in the ipa1 seedlings. In addition, based on yeast one-hybrid assay and dual-luciferase assay, IPA1 was found to directly activate the promoter activity of OsHOX12, a transcription factor promoting ABA biosynthesis, and OsNAC52, a positive regulator of the ABA pathway. The expression of OsHOX12 and OsNAC52 was significantly up-regulated in the ipa1 plants. Combined with the previous studies, our results suggested that ipa1 could improve rice seedling drought tolerance mainly through activating the ABA pathway and that regulation of the ipa1-mediated ABA pawthway will be an important strategy for improving drought resistance of rice.
Dissipation-driven Strange Metal Behavior
Authors: Grilli Marco , Caprara Sergio , Castro Carlo Di , Mirarchi Giovanni , Seibold Goetz 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Anomalous metallic properties are often observed in the proximity of quantum critical points, with violation
of the Fermi Liquid paradigm. We propose a scenario where, near the quantum critical point, dynamical fluctuations of the order parameter with finite correlation length mediate a nearly isotropic scattering among the quasiparticles over the entire Fermi surface. This scattering produces an anomalous metallic behavior, which is extended to the lowest temperatures by an increase of the damping of the fluctuations. We phenomenologically identify one single parameter ruling this increasing damping when the temperature decreases, accounting for both the linear-in-temperature resistivity and the seemingly divergent specific heat observed, e.g., in high-temperature superconducting cuprates and some heavy-fermion metals
Research on Key Technologies of Construction Of Tunnel in Aeolian Stratum: A Case Study of Shenmu No. 1 Tunnel
Authors: YE Fei , Liang Xing , Liang Xiaoming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The naturally formed aeolian sand dunes in northern Shaanxi have unique engineering characteristics. Several difficulties restrict the construction of road tunnels under this stratum, such as the poor self-stabilization ability of the surrounding rock, difficultly in injecting grout, and insufficient construction experience. Therefore, in this study, a case study of the Shenmu No. 1 tunnel was conducted to investigate the engineering characteristics of aeolian sand tunnels, compare the grouting effects of commonly used grouting materials, and discuss the reinforcement effects of different construction schemes in aeolian sand tunnels. Based on a field grouting test, it was found that it is difficult to inject ordinary cement grout into an aeolian sand layer; superfine cement grout and modified sodium silicate grout can be injected, but the former has a poor reinforcement effect. Through numerical analysis, it is found that an approach based on a concept of “horizontal jet grouting pile + benching partial excavation method with a temporary invert” is suitable for the construction of tunnels in aeolian sand in China.
Immunodominant NP105-113-B*0702 cytotoxic T cell response controls viral replication and is associated with less severe COVID-19 disease
Authors: Dong Tao , Ogg Graham , Peng Yan-Chun , Felce Suet , Dong Danning , Penkava Frank , Mentzer Alexander , Lao Xuan , Liu Guihai , Yin Zixi , Chen Ji-Li , Lu YongXu , Wellington Dannielle , Wing Peter , Dominey-Foy Delaney , Knight Julian , Jin Chen , Wang Wenbo , Hamid Megat Abd , Fernandes Ricardo , Wang Beibei , Fries Anastasia , Zhuang Xiaodong , Ashley Neil , Rostron Timothy , Waugh Craig , Sopp Paul , Hublitz Philip , Beveridge Ryan , Tan Tiong Kit , Dold Christina , Kwok Andrew , Rich-Griffin Charlotte , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Nassiri Isar , Watson Robert , Tong Orion , Taylor Chelsea , Sharma Piyush Kumar , Curion Fabiola , Revale Santiago , Garner Lucy , Jansen Kathrin , Ferreira Ricardo , Attar Moustafa , Fry Jeremy , Russell Rebecca , Stauss Hans , James William , Townsend Alain , Ho Ling-Pei , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Klenerman Paul , Screaton Gavin , Dendrou Calliope , Sansom Stephen , Bashford-Rogers Rachael , Chain Benny , Smith Geoffrey , McKeating Jane , Fairfax Benjamin , Bowness Paul , McMichael Andrew 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
NP105-113-B*07:02 specific CD8+ T-cell responses are considered among the most dominant in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. We found strong association of this response with mild disease. Analysis of NP105-113-B*07:02 specific T-cell clones and single cell sequencing were performed concurrently, with functional avidity and anti-viral efficacy assessed using an in vitro SARS-CoV-2 infection system, and were correlated with TCR usage, transcriptome signature, and disease severity (acute N=77, convalescent N=52). We demonstrated a beneficial association of NP105-113-B*07:02 specific T-cells in COVID-19 disease progression, linked with expansion of T-cell precursors, high functional avidity and anti-viral effector function. Broad immune memory pools were narrowed post-infection but NP105-113-B*07:02 specific T-cells were maintained 6 months after infection with preserved anti-viral efficacy to the SARS-CoV-2 Victoria strain, as well as new Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants. Our data shows that NP105-113-B*07:02 specific T-cell responses associate with mild disease and high anti-viral efficacy, pointing to inclusion for future vaccine design.
Unveiling the Solubilization of Potassium Mineral Rocks in Organic Acids for Application as K-fertilizer
Authors: Lodi Ludimila A. , Klaic Rodrigo , Bortoletto-Santos Ricardo , Ribeiro Caue , Farinas Cristiane Sanchez 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Organic acids produced by soil microorganisms can be useful to promote the release of potassium (K) from potassium mineral rocks (KR), but the complexity of low-reactivity minerals limits K solubilization and their use as fertilizer. Here, we investigate the ways that different organic acids (gluconic, oxalic, and citric) can affect the solubilization of potassium minerals, in order to propose process strategies to improve their solubility. For this, evaluations were performed using the model minerals KRpolyhalite (sedimentary mineral), KRfeldspar (igneous mineral), and KCl (commercial fertilizer). For KCl and KRpolyhalite, complete solubilization was achieved using all the organic acids, while for KRfeldspar, the highest K+ solubilization (34.86 mg L-1) was achieved with oxalic acid. The solubility of KRfeldspar was further investigated under submerged cultivation with the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger, as well as after a mechanochemical grinding treatment. The biotechnological route resulted in solubilized K+ up to 63.2 mg L-1. The mechanochemical route, on the other hand, increased the release of K+ by about 8.6 times (993 mg L-1) compared to the natural mineral, due to the greater fragmentation of the particles after the treatment (with a surface area about 2.5 times higher than for the in natura KRfeldspar). These findings demonstrated the potential of applying biotechnological and mechanochemical routes with organic acids to improve the solubilization of K present in low reactivity mineral rocks, contributing to the use of these minerals as fertilizers in more sustainable agricultural practices.
Dual Controlled Cross - Shaped Broadband Terahertz Absorber Based On Vanadium Oxide - Liquid Crystal Metamaterial
Authors: Ning Renxia , Wang Fei , Huang Wang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A low terahertz broadband tunable absorber was proposed, which was mainly composed of vanadium oxide (VO2) film and nematic liquid crystal layer. The simulation results show that the absorption can reach more than 90% in the range of 0.458 THz-1.1492 THz. With the vanadium oxide transited into metal state, the tuning absorber was realized. Since the dielectric constant of the nematic liquid crystal can be adjusted by bias voltage, without changing the intensity of absorption, but a shift in the bandwidth was observed. In addition, the structure designed in this paper was insensitive to incident light polarization and still remained high absorption at 60°. This tunable broadband metamaterial absorber can be used for attenuator and energy harvesting.
Comparison Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Plus Corticosteroid Injection and Mini-Open Surgery in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Zeng Zeng , Lin Nan , Chen Cong-Xian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose To compare clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided needle release with corticosteroid injection versus mini-open surgery in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).Methods From January 2020 to December 2020, 40 patients (40 wrists) with CTS were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms, electro-physiological and ultrasound imaging. 20 wrists were treated with ultrasound-guided needle release plus corticosteroid injection (Group A) and other 20 wrists went mini-open surgery (Group B). We evaluated Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, electrophysiological parameters (distal motor latency, sensory conduction velocity and sensory nerve action potential of median nerve) and ultrasound parameters (cross-sectional area, flattening ratio and the thicknesses of transverse carpal ligament) both before and 3 months after treatment. Total treatment cost, duration of treatment, healing time and complications were also recorded for two groups.Results Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, electrophysiologic and ultrasound outcomes at preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively had significant difference for each group (each P༜0.05). There were no complications such as infection, haemorrhage, vascular, nerve or tendon injuries in both groups.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided needle release and mini-open surgery are both effective measures in treating CTS patients. Ultrasound-guided needle release plus corticosteroid injection provides smaller incision, less cost, less time of treatment and faster recovery compared with mini-open surgery. Ultrasound-guided needle release plus corticosteroid injection is better for clinical application
Thermoelectric Properties of Sr1-3x/2Lax/2Smx/2TiO3-δ (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.30) Ceramics
Authors: Iyasara Adindu C. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Influence of strongly reducing processing atmosphere on Sr-vacancy Sr1-3x/2Lax/2Smx/2TiO3-δ (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30) ceramics was investigated. The ceramic powders were prepared by the solid-state reaction (SSR) method, and heat treated in 5 % H2/N2 reducing gas at 1573 K for 6 h and 1773 K for 8 h for calcination and sintering processes, respectively. Thermoelectric properties of Sr1-3x/2Lax/2Smx/2TiO3-δ ceramics were evaluated from 573 to 973 K. Their electrical conductivities increased with carrier concentration and also decreased with temperature, indicating metallic behaviour. The Seebeck coefficients showed n-type behaviour and increased with temperature. Additionally, the total thermal conductivities exhibited low values, with a minimum value, 2.67 W/m. K for x = 0.20 ceramics at 973 K. A maximum thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT = 0.30 at 973 K was reached for Sr0.7La0.1Sm0.1TiO3-δ ceramics, which is 20 % higher than the maximum value reported previously for La-Sm electron doped SrTiO3 ceramics.
Differences in Motor Unit Recruitment Patterns and Low Frequency Oscillation of Discharge Rates between Unilateral and Bilateral Isometric Muscle Contractions.
Authors: Bao Shancheng , Wang Yiyu , Wright David L , Buchanan John J. , Lei Yuming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Distinct cortical activities contribute to unilateral and bilateral motor control. However, it remains largely unknown whether the behavior of motor neurons differs between unilateral and bilateral isometric force generation. Here, we first investigated motor units (MUs) recruitment patterns during unilateral and bilateral force generation. Considering that the force control is primarily regulated by low-frequency synaptic inputs to motor neurons, we also examined the relation between MU discharge rate and force output during unilateral and bilateral muscle contractions.Methods: Using advanced electromyography (EMG) sensor arrays and spike-triggered averaging techniques, we examined a large population of MUs in the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle during unilateral and bilateral force tracking tasks. Using the principal component analysis, we analyzed the first common component (FCC) of MU discharge rate to describe the force fluctuations during unilateral and bilateral contractions. Results: We found that MU discharge rate decreased during bilateral compared with unilateral contractions. MU recruitment threshold increased, while the amplitude and duration of MU action potential (MUAP) remained unchanged during bilateral compared with unilateral contractions. We found that the coefficients of variation (CV) for the force and FCC signal increased during bilateral compared with unilateral contractions. Notably, the FCC signal captured a great amount of MU discharge variability, and its CV correlated with the CV of the force signal. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MU recruitment patterns are altered during bilateral compared with unilateral isometric force generation, likely related to changes at the low-frequency portion of the synaptic drive.
Comparison of closed-form solutions to experimental magnetic force between two cylindrical magnets
Authors: Cheedket Sampart , Sirisathitkul Chitnarong 
Published: July 2021

The force between permanent magnets implemented in many engineering devices remains an intriguing problem in basic physics. The variation of magnetic force with the distance x between a pair of magnets cannot usually be approximated as x-4 because of the dipole nature and geometry of magnets. In this work, the force between two identical cylindrical magnets is accurately described by a closed-form solution. The analytical model assumes that the magnets are uniformly magnetized along their length. The calculation, based on the magnetic field exerted by one magnet on the other along the direction of their orientation, shows a reduction in the magnetic force with the distance x and a dependence on the size parameters of magnets. To verify the equation, the experiment was set up by placing two cylindrical neodymium iron boron type magnets in a vertical tube. The repulsive force between the identical upper and lower magnets of 2.5 cm in diameter and 7.5 cm in length was measured from the weight on the top of the upper magnet. The resulting separation between the magnets was recorded as x. The forces measured at x=0.004-0.037 m differ from the values calculated using the analytic solution by -0.55 % to -13.60 %. The calculation also gives rise to a practical remnant magnetic field of 1.206 T. When x is much large than the equation of force is approximated as a simple form proportional to 1/x-4. The finding can be directly used in magnetic levitation as well as applied in calculating magnetic fields and forces in other systems incorporating permanent magnets.
Augmentation of freshwater productivity in single slope solar still using Luffa acutangula fibres
Authors: Suraparaju Subbarama Kousik , Natarajan Sendhil Kumar 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The prime intention of the current research is to enhance the freshwater productivity of the solar still (SS) by using Luffa acutangula fibres (LAF). The dried LA fibres were introduced into the absorber basin of a solar still to enhance the wet surface area through its porous structure that leads to augmented evaporation of water from the absorber basin. The effect of the number of LAF in the absorber basin such as 10,13,14,15,16,20 and 25 on freshwater productivity was estimated. The results revealed that SSLAF with 15 fibres in the absorber basin increased the yield by 25.23%. Besides, a solar still with 10,13,14,16,20 and 25 fibres in the absorber basin increased the yield by 12.27%, 17.45%, 22.04%, 22.69%, 14.64% and 4.09% respectively when compared to conventional solar still (CSS). The average thermal efficiency of the SSLAF with 15 LAF was increased by 28.35% whereas, for 10,13,14,16,20 and 25 LAF, the average thermal efficiency was increasedby 11.05%, 16.99%, 22.53%, 19.93%, 11.29% and 3.9% respectively when compared to CSS.The economic analysis resulted that the cost per litre freshwater yield from the SSLAF is 22.5% lower than CSS. Also, the payback period of SSLAF is comparatively lesser than that of CSS.
DUXAP8: A Promising lncRNA with Carcinogenic Potential in
Cancer
Authors: Zhou Gang , Yuan Chengfu , Wang Bei , Xu Wen , Cai Yuxuan , Chen Jinlan , Guo Chong 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have influenced numerous
biology processes, which has provoked great interest. Not only that, LncRNA DUXAP8
mediates tumorigenesis by affecting the activity of miRNAs, signaling pathways, and oncogene.

Methods:
The functions of DUXAP8 have been summarized by reading relevant articles
on PubMed.

Results:
lncRNA DUXAP8 acts as an oncogene in most tumors. The abnormal overexpression
is associated with the proliferation, invasion, migration, and anti-autophagy of
tumors. DUXAP8 exerts promotion on Akt / mTOR signaling pathway, facilitating the
occurrence of tumors. Furthermore, DUXAP8 affects the activity of miRNAs and proteins,
showing its significant potential as a therapeutic target in human cancers.

Conclusion:
LncRNA DUXAP8 has been identified as an indispensable therapeutic target
of the tumors, providing clinical treatment plans.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio Predicts the Outcome of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Zhao Jiawei , Liu Kai , Li Shen , Gao Yuan , Zhao Lu , Liu Hongbing , Fang Hui , Song Bo , Xu Yuming 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Increasing evidences suggest that Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR)
is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the
relationship between NLR and prognosis in patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) has
not been studied.

Methods:
Consecutive CVT patients from November 2011 through April 2019 were retrospectively
identified. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 3-6. Multivariate regression
analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between total and differential leukocyte
counts, NLR and clinical outcome in CVT patients. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC)
analysis was further performed to evaluate the ability to predict mortality, and subgroup analysis
was conducted to explore the potential interaction effects.

Results:
A total of 360 CVT patients were included, and the median duration of follow-up was 9.0
months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that NLR value, as a continuous variable,
was significantly associated with a high risk of poor outcome (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.06,
95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.01-1.11, P = 0.013) and mortality (adjusted OR = 1.08; 95% CI,
1.03-1.14; P = 0.002). Compared with the total and differential leukocyte counts, the best discriminating
variable to predict the risk of mortality was NLR, and the area under the receiver operating
curve was 0.81. The optimal cut-off value of NLR to predict mortality was 5.6 (sensitivity 84.2%,
specificity 69.9%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the mortality rate was significantly
higher in patients with a high NLR level group (>5.6) (adjust hazard ratio=5.65, 95% CI
2.33-12.73, P<0.001). There was no potential heterogeneity in the further subgroup analysis across
age (above vs. below 45 years old), sex, history of infections and pregnancy/postpartum, presence
of coma and intracerebral hemorrhage.

Conclusion:
Elevated NLR value is associated with a high risk of poor outcomes in CVT patients.
Cloning, Expression and Biochemical Characterization of the Recombinant
α-amylase from Bacillus subtilis YX48
Authors: Shang Junjie , Wei Yunlin , Shan Yan , Zhang Dongfang , Cui Yinshan , Wang Yi , Zhu Jie , Ma Yongkai , Song Pengfei , Qin Kunhao , Ji Xiuling , Wu Lijun 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Amylase used in the market is mostly medium-temperature enzyme or
high-temperature enzyme and has poor enzyme activity under low-temperature environment. Acid
α-amylase can be used to develop digestion additives in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
The amino acid sequence and structural differences among α-amylases obtained from various
organisms are high enough to confer interesting biochemical diversity to the enzymes. However,
low- temperature (0-50°C) amylase, with an optimum temperature and heat sensitivity, has a
greater potential value than medium (50-80°C) and high (80-110°C) temperature amylases.

Methodology:
The gene amy48 from encoding extracellular α-amylase in Bacillus subtilis YX48
was successfully cloned into the pET30a (+) vector and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)
for biochemical characterization.

Results and Conclusion:
The molecular weight of α-amylase was 75 kDa. The activity of α-amylase
was not affected by Ca2+, and Amy48 had the best activity at pH 5.0 and 37°C. AMY48 has
high stability over a narrow pH and temperature range (5.0-8.0 and 30-45°C). Amylase activity
was strongly inhibited by Zn2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, and Fe2+ ions, but Na+, K+, and Co2+ ions stimulate its activity
slightly. The purified enzyme showed gradually reduced activity in the presence of detergents.
However, it was remarkably stable against EDTA and urea.