bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virus‐induced gene silencing as a tool for functional studies in Cleome violacea
Authors: Carey Shane , Higuera‐Díaz Mónica , Mankowski Peter , Rocca Alexandra , Hall Jocelyn C. 
Published: June 2021

PremiseCleomaceae is emerging as a promising family to investigate a wide range of phenomena, such as C4 photosynthesis and floral diversity. However, functional techniques are lacking for elucidating this diversity. Herein, we establish virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) as a method of generating functional data for Cleome violacea, bolstering Cleomaceae as a model system.MethodsWe leveraged the sister relationship of Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae by using constructs readily available for Arabidopsis thaliana to provide initial information about the feasibility of VIGS in C. violacea. We then developed endogenous constructs to optimize VIGS efficiency and viability for fruit development.ResultsPHYTOENE DESATURASE was successfully downregulated in C. violacea using both heterologous and endogenous constructs. The endogenous construct had the highest degree of downregulation, with many plants displaying strong photobleaching. FRUITFULL‐treated plants were also successfully downregulated, with a high rate of survival but less effective silencing; only a small percentage of survivors showed a strong phenotype.DiscussionOur optimized VIGS protocol in C. violacea enables functional gene analyses at different developmental stages. Additionally, C. violacea is amenable to heterologous knockdown, which suggests that a first pass using non‐endogenous constructs is a possible route to test additional species of Cleomaceae.
Saraswati River in northern India (Haryana) and its role in populating the Harappan civilization sites—A study based on remote sensing, sedimentology, and strata chronology
Authors: Chaudhri Akshey Rajan , Chopra Sundeep , Kumar Pankaj , Ranga Rajesh , Singh Yoginder , Rajput Subhash , Sharma Vikram , Verma Veerendra Kumar , Sharma Rajveer 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe Saraswati River used to flow from the glaciated peaks of the Himalaya to the Arabian sea, covering a distance of about 1800 km. It possibly sustained the Harappan civilization in the Indian subcontinent. This river has been studied as a part of the Ghaggar–Satluj–Hakra–Nara channel system in India and Pakistan. This study investigated its independent existence and evolution in the Himalayan foothill terrain and the proximal alluvial plains. Use of satellite imagery, shuttle radar topography mission data, accelerator mass spectrometry14C dating and optically stimulated luminescence chronology is being made to identify the possible palaeo‐path of this ancient river and to characterize the trench sediment log architecture of the Saraswati River palaeochannels in northern India (Haryana). Our investigations reveal that this river formed a dense web of interconnecting channels which are continuously networked for more than 2,984 km in Haryana and their individual floodplain width varies from 1.5 to 13 km. The Harappan settlements in Haryana and Rajasthan nucleated and prospered in the fertile channel bars and interfluves of this river system. Majority of these habitation sites were located within a radius of less than 500 m from these palaeo‐water channel networks. Enormous amount of water was flowing through this channel network until BC 11,147. Sediment characteristics and their chronology reveal that flow of water in the river channel decreased with time as the glacial cover diminished. The varying thickness of clay beds in sediment logs is indicative of the fluctuations in water flow possibly as a consequence of terrain slope modifications and consequent gradual channel avulsion, climate change, and global drought events. The flow of water continued through the Himalayan foothill input channels of the palaeo‐Saraswati River in Haryana until AD 1402.
State estimation and frequency stabilization of multi‐area power systems via fault‐alarm approach
Authors: Harshavarthini Shanmugam , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Poornesh Kumar Kasipalayam Shanmugam , Kong Fanchao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis work is mainly focused on designing hybrid memory state feedback load frequency control law for a class of multi‐area power systems against transmission delays, parameter uncertainties, actuator faults, and load disturbances via fault‐alarm approach. More specifically, the load disturbances are prompted by the incorporation of abundance amount of renewable energy resources, namely, photo voltaic and wind power. Additionally, the power system takes the effect of actuator faults into account, which is unavoidable and exists at any instant of time. Thus, to stabilize the addressed system, the fault‐alarm approach is exploited to develop the hybrid control law. Particularly, the state dynamics are well estimated by the aid of residual observer to detect the faulty condition of actuators. Also, by following the algorithm of fault detection, the spontaneous alert from the alarm is accomplished. Further, in consideration of appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, the stability conditions having linear matrix inequality form are derived and which affirms the asymptotic stability of the power systems. Precisely, the controller gain matrices are obtained by solving the developed sufficient conditions. Eventually, the simulation results of two‐area interconnected power systems are presented to examine the applicability and advantage of the proposed theoretical result.
Vorticity and moisture budget analyses on a plateau vortex that cause an intense rainfall event within the Qaidam Basin
Authors: Li Wan‐Li , Xia Ru‐Di , Zhong Qi , Wang Ya‐Qiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAs one of the most seriously arid areas in China, the Qaidam Basin (QB) features a notable growing probability of intense rainfall under global warming. Compared to a normal/humid region, intense rainfall usually results in more severe disasters in an arid area. Considering that few studies focused on intense rainfall within the QB, there is an urgent need to understand the mechanisms governing intense rainfall in this region. A type of Tibetan Plateau vortex (TPV) associated intense rainfall within the QB was investigated in this study, which partly fills the existing research gaps in the field. The main findings are as follows: (a) the intense‐rainfall‐producing TPV formed and maintained in a favorable background environment which was characterized by a notable upper‐level divergence north of a strong upper‐level jet and a strong middle‐level warm advection ahead of a shortwave trough over the Tibetan Plateau. (b) Vorticity budget indicates that two factors affected the vortex's formation notably, one was the convergence‐related vertical stretching, which dominated the vortex's formation and the other was the import of the horizontal transport of anticyclonic vorticity which was the most detrimental factor for the formation of the TPV. Tilting and vertical transport only exerted weak effects on the TPV's formation, since convective activities were relatively weak in this event. (c) Moisture budget shows that the southwestern and southern moisture transport channels, which were mainly driven by the wind field associated with the shortwave trough over the Tibetan Plateau, contributed ~70% to the total moisture income of the intense rainfall within the QB. The transport was accomplished primarily through the southern boundary of the QB, with the moisture mainly coming from the Indian Peninsula and Indochina Peninsula.
The Complex Role of Aluminium Contamination in Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Juhan , Amari Houari , Bahri Mounib , Shen Zonghao , Xu Chao , Ruff Zachary , Grey Clare P. , Ersen Ovidiu , Aguadero Ainara , Browning Nigel D. , Mehdi B. Layla 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA major challenge for lithium‐ion batteries based on nickel‐rich layered oxide cathodes is capacity fading. While chemo‐mechanical degradation and/or structural transformation are widely considered responsible for degradation, a comprehensive understanding of this process is still not complete. For the stable performance of these cathode materials, aluminium (Al) plays a crucial role, not only as a current collector but also as substitutional element for the transition metals in the cathodes and a protective oxide coating (as Al2O3). However, excess Al can be detrimental due to both its redox inactive nature in the cathode and the insulating nature of Al2O3. In this work, we report an analysis of the Al content in two different types of nickel‐rich manganese cobalt oxide cathode materials after battery cycling. Our results indicate a significant thickening of Al‐containing phases on the surface of the NMC811 electrode. Similar results are observed from commercial batteries (a mixture of NMC532 and LiMn2O4) that were analysed before use and at the end of life, where Al‐containing phases were found to increase significantly at surfaces and grain boundaries. Considering the detrimental effects of the excess Al in the nickel‐rich cathodes, our observation of increased Al content via battery cycling is believed to bring a new perspective to the ongoing discussions regarding the capacity fading phenomenon of nickel‐rich layered oxide materials as part of their complex degradation mechanisms.
Current advances in microbial production of 1,3‐propanediol
Authors: Zhu Yueting , Wang Yanxia , Gao Hao , Wang Hanxiao , Wan Zijian , Jiang Yujia , Xin Fengxue , Zhang Wenming , Jiang Min 
Published: June 2021

Abstract1,3‐Propanediol (1,3‐PDO), an important chemical raw material, has attracted much attention due to its wide use as a monomer of biodegradable polyester materials. Production of 1,3‐PDO from renewable resources, through microbial fermentation, has the advantage of requiring only mild conditions. The process also demonstrates industrial safety and is environmentally friendly. In this review, we have summarized and commented on current progress in screening and breeding strains for 1,3‐PDO production, especially from glycerol or glucose. Advanced strategies, including metabolic engineering, fermentation process optimization, and construction of a microbial consortium system, are introduced and discussed. Current challenges and prospects for more efficient and economical bio‐based 1,3‐PDO production are examined in the context of its industrial application. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Sex differences in independence in activities of daily living early in stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Liljehult Monique Mesot , von Euler‐Chelpin My Catarina , Christensen Thomas , Buus Lise , Stokholm Jannik , Rosthøj Susanne 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundCurrent stroke research suggests that there are differences between females and males regarding incidence, stroke risk factors, stroke severity, outcome, and mortality. The few studies that have investigated sex differences in rehabilitation 8–12 months poststroke found that males are more independent, compared to females.ObjectivesTo investigate if there is a difference in the improvement of independence in activities of daily living (ADL) between females and males in the acute phase (first 2 weeks) of stroke rehabilitation in a Danish population.MethodsA prospective cohort study enrolling patients admitted to the hospital's rehabilitation ward with a stroke diagnosis from January 1, 2016, to March 17, 2017. Baseline and follow‐up data regarding the primary outcome, Barthel‐100 index, were analyzed using an adjusted linear mixed model.ResultsThe study included 206 patients (83 females). Females were older at admission and more males lived with a partner. No differences in stroke severity or any of the risk factors were found. There were no differences between female and male scores at baseline. In the adjusted linear mixed model, quantifying the difference between follow‐up and baseline Barthel‐100 score, females increased their Barthel‐100 score by 20.8 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 15.4–26.3) and males with 29.0 points (95% CI 24.6–33.4).ConclusionIn a homogeneous sample of stroke survivors undergoing specialized 24‐h stroke rehabilitation for 11–14 days, females were more dependent in ADL than males.
The degeneration changes of basal forebrain are associated with prospective memory impairment in patients with Wilson's disease
Authors: Wu Yutong , Hu Sheng , Wang Yi , Dong Ting , Wu Hongli , Zhang Yumei , Qu Qianqian , Wang Anqin , Yang Yinfeng , Li Chuanfu , Kan Hongxing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionDegeneration changes of the basal forebrain (BF) are suggested to play an important role in cognitive impairment and memory loss in patients with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, little is known about if and how the structure and function of BF are abnormal in Wilson's disease (WD).MethodsHere, we employed the structural and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 19 WD individuals and 24 healthy controls (HC). Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and functional connectivity analysis were applied to investigate the structural and functional degeneration changes of BF in WD. Moreover, the linear regression analyses were performed in the patient group to depict the correlations between the aberrant gray volume and functional connectivity of the BF and clinical performances, such as the prospective memory (PM) and mini‐mental state examination (MMSE).ResultsVBM analysis showed that compared with HC, the volume of overlapping cell groups of BF termed CH1–3 and CH4 was significantly reduced in WD. Additionally, the decreased functional connectivity of the CH4 was distributed in the bilateral temporal‐parietal junction (TPJ), right thalamus, orbitofrontal gyrus (ORB), and left middle cingulate cortex (MCC). The performances of the time‐based prospective memory (TBPM) and event‐based prospective memory (EBPM) were related to reduced functional connectivity between CH4 and right ORB. Besides, the functional connectivity of left TPJ was also significantly correlated with EBPM in WD.ConclusionThese findings indicated that the degenerative changes of BF may affect PM through the innervation brain function and may help to understand the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in WD.
Cortical connectivity in the face of congenital structural changes—A case of homozygous LAMC3 mutation
Authors: Demirayak Pinar , Karli Oguz Kader , Ustun Fatma Seyhun , Urgen Buse Merve , Topac Yasemin , Gilani Irtiza , Kansu Tulay , Saygi Serap , Ozcelik Tayfun , Boyaci Huseyin , Doerschner Katja 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe homozygous LAMC3 gene mutation is associated with severe bilateral smoothening and thickening of the lateral occipital cortex . Despite this and further significant changes in gray matter structure, a patient harboring this mutation exhibited a range of remarkably intact perceptual abilities . One possible explanation of this perceptual sparing could be that the white matter structural integrity and functional connectivity in relevant pathways remained intact. To test this idea, we used diffusion tensor and functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate functional connectivity in resting‐state networks in major structural pathways involved in object perception and visual attention and corresponding microstructural integrity in a patient with homozygous LAMC3 mutation and sex, age, education, and socioeconomically matched healthy control group. White matter microstructural integrity results indicated widespread disruptions in both intra‐ and interhemispheric structural connections except inferior longitudinal fasciculus. With a few exceptions, the functional connectivity between the patient's adjacent gray matter regions of major white matter tracts of interest was conserved. In addition, functional localizers for face, object, and place areas showed similar results with a representative control, providing an explanation for the patient's intact face, place, and object recognition abilities. To generalize this finding, we also compared functional connectivity between early visual areas and face, place, and object category‐selective areas, and we found that the functional connectivity of the patient was not different from the control group. Overall, our results provided complementary information about the effects of LAMC3 gene mutation on the human brain including intact temporo‐occipital structural and functional connectivity that are compatible with preserved perceptual abilities.
Differential effects of gender on mismatch negativity to violations of simple and pattern acoustic regularities
Authors: Toufan Reyhane , Aghamolaei Maryam , Ashayeri Hasan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe effects of gender on the mismatch negativity (MMN) potential have been studied using simple frequency deviants. However, the effects of gender on MMN to violations of abstract regularities have not yet been studied. Here, we addressed this issue and compared the effects of gender on simple and pattern frequency MMNs.MethodsMMN response was recorded from 29 healthy young adults, 14 females (mean age = 26.20 ± 2.17) and 15 males (mean age = 27.57 ± 2.24), using 32 scalp electrodes during simple and pattern frequency oddball paradigms and the mean amplitude, peak latency, and scalp topography of MMN evoked by each paradigm were compared between the two genders.ResultsThe peak latency of simple MMN was significantly longer in females (p < .05); however, its mean amplitude and topography were similar between the two genders (p > .05). There were no significant differences in peak latency, mean amplitude, and scalp topography of pattern MMN between the two genders (p > .05).ConclusionsBased on the obtained results, gender differently affects simple and pattern MMN. These findings may provide preliminary evidence for distinct effects of gender on various types of MMN.
A novel business strategies framework of do‐it‐yourself practices in logistics to minimise environmental waste and improve performance
Authors: Upadhyay Arvind , Kumar Anil , Kumar Vikas , Alzaben Ahmed 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe transportation sector is consuming a high quantity of oil and producing air pollution, CO2 and allergies, as well as promoting the storage of goods in traditional warehouses. It is not only creating waste and environmental pollution but also increasing temperature, air pollution and low rainfall. The present study intends to uncover and understand the challenges of logistic infrastructure as well as how the adoption of do‐it‐yourself (DIY) business strategies is useful to encourage those practices and technology which are useful in transforming the logistic infrastructure into an eco‐friendly environment. The DIY focuses on purposely utilising digital technologies to increase the engagement and involvement of customers in businesses. Moreover, DIY enables organisations to produce products and services that are highly demanded and have high acceptability. After doing an extensive literature review, the enablers of DIY are identified, and empirical investigation has been conducted. The analysis of the study provides a business strategies framework of DIY which would help the logistics managers in the proper implementation of the DIY practices to minimise negative environmental impact and improve business performance.
Preinfection laboratory parameters may predict COVID‐19 severity in tumor patients
Authors: Kiani Alexander , Roesch Romina , Wendtner Clemens M. , Kullmann Frank , Kubin Thomas , Südhoff Thomas , Augustin Marinela , Schaich Markus , Müller‐Naendrup Clemens , Illerhaus Gerald , Hartmann Frank , Hebart Holger , Seggewiss‐Bernhardt Ruth , Bentz Martin , Späth‐Schwalbe Ernst , Reimer Peter , Kaiser Ulrich , Kapp Markus , Graeven Ullrich , Chemnitz Jens‐Marcus , Baesecke Jörg , Lambertz Helmut , Naumann Ralph 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundInfection with SARS‐CoV‐2 leads to COVID‐19, the course of which is highly variable and depends on numerous patient‐specific risk factors. Patients with tumor diseases are considered to be more susceptible to severe COVID‐19; however, they also represent a heterogeneous group of individuals with variable risk. Identifying specific risk factors for a severe course of COVID‐19 in patients with cancer is of great importance.MethodsPatients diagnosed with solid tumors or hematological malignancies and PCR‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were included into the multicentric ADHOK (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hämatologen und Onkologen im Krankenhaus e.V.) coronavirus tumor registry. Detailed information about the patients’ cancer disease, treatment, and laboratory parameters prior to infection, was collected retrospectively. The outcome of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was graded according to the WHO.ResultsA total of 195 patients (68% with solid neoplasms and 32% with hematological malignancies) were included in the registry. Overall, the course of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection varied greatly, as 69% of all patients were either asymptomatic or encountered a mild to moderate course, while 23% of the cohort died from COVID‐19. In multivariable analysis, preinfection laboratory parameters (determined at least 10 days and a median of 21 days before the first documentation of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection) significantly correlated with severe course of the disease. Out of these, the absolute neutrophil count prior to infection showed the strongest association with COVID‐19‐related death.ConclusionThe course of COVID‐19 in patients with tumor diseases is highly variable. Preinfection laboratory parameters may aid to identify patients at risk for severe COVID‐19 at an early stage prior to infection with the virus.German Clinical Trials Register identification: DRKS00023012.
Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Assay and Cytotoxic Profile for Different Extracts of Chrysopogon zizanioides Roots
Authors: Grover Madhuri , Behl Tapan , Virmani Tarun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe Chrysopogon zizanioides plant possesses multiple traditional uses, especially in therapeutics, but only a few articles have reported its biological activity. Hence, the present study was planned to explore the phytochemical constituents, cytotoxic potential, radical scavenging activity, and GC/MS (Gas chromatography & Mass spectrometry) analysis of the vetiver root extracts. The roots extracted with different solvents exhibited more significant phytochemical constituents in polar solvents in comparison to non‐polar ones, favoring the extraction of a greater number of components in highly polar solvents. All the extracts were tested for their cytotoxicity using SRB (Sulforhodamine B) assay. They confirmed ethanolic extract as a potent extract with GI50 56±0.5 μg/ml in oral cancer (SCC‐29B) along with no cytotoxicity in healthy cells (Vero cells), making it a safer therapeutic option in comparison to standard Adriamycin. This extract was also analyzed for its antioxidant potential by DPPH (1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) assay with IC50 value 10.73 μg/ml, which was quite comparable to Ascorbic acid having IC50 value 4.61 μg/ml. The quantitative analysis of ethanolic extract exhibited 107 compounds amongst which Khusenic acid, Ascorbic acid, Junipen, gamma‐Himachalene, alpha‐Guaiene were the majorly occurring compounds that can be explored further for their cytotoxic activity.