bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined use of Specific Length Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF-seq) And Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) For Rapid Identification of Genes Influencing Fiber Content of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Zhao Yue , Sun Yufeng , Cao Kun , Zhang Xiaoyan , Bian Jing , Han Chengwei , Jiang Ying , Xu Lei , Wang Xiaonan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), an ancient crop, is a significant source of high-quality fiber that primarily caters to the textile industry worldwide. Compared to other fiber crops, hemp is an environmentally friendly fiber crop which requires fewer pesticides and purifies the soil during cultivation. Fiber content is a crucial quantitative trait for evaluating fiber yield in hemp. Understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in hemp breeding is essential for improving yield. In this study, to investigate these underlying mechanisms, we developed 660 F1 plants from a cross between Jindao-15(high fiber content fiber-use variety)and Fire No.1༈low fiber content fiber-use variety༉, and thirty plants each with high and low fiber content were selected from 305 monoecious plants of this population according to 5 %-10 % of population size for quantitative traits. The DNA from these plants was extracted to establish two bulk DNA pools. The DNA was then subjected to the restriction digestion by the enzymes RsaI and HaeIII to obtain 314–364 bp digestion fragments and subjected to sequencing using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq). Then, each fragment was labeled with specific SLAF tags, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified to determine the candidate regions related to fiber content through marker association analysis of genotype frequency differences between the mixed pools of DNA. The gene annotation results identified the candidate genes responsible for the fiber content of hemp. In this study, we successfully developed 368,404 SLAF tags, which led to the detection of 389,687 SNPs. These SNPs were then subjected to the SNP-Index correlation algorithm, which revealed four candidate regions related to fiber content traits on Chromosome 1, with a length of 8.68 Mb and containing 389 annotated genes. We found that 199 non-synonymous mutations which change the amino acids sequences existed in the parent population. The annotation information and the comparison results identified 15 genes that were highly likely to modulate the fiber content of hemp. Further, qPCR validation identified six genes (LOC115705530, LOC115705875, LOC115704794, LOC115705371, LOC115705688 and LOC115707511) that were highly positively correlated with influencing the hemp fiber content. These genes were involved in the transcription regulation, auxin and water transportion, one carbon and sugar metabolism. Thus, our study highlights the importance of the combined use of SLAF-Seq and Bulked Segregant analysis (BSA) to locate genes related to hemp fiber content rapidly. Hence, our study provides novel mechanistic inputs for the fast identification of genes related to important agronomic traits of hemp and other crops catering to the textile industry.
Cortical Activation during Cooperative and Competitive Joint Actions in Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – An fNIRS Study
Authors: Su Wan-Chun , Culotta McKenzie , Tsuzuki Daisuke , Bhat Anjana 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have social communication and perceptuomotor difficulties that affect their ability to engage in various types of joint actions. In this study, we compared spatio-temporal action errors and fNIRS-related cortical activation between children with and without ASD during a Lincoln log joint action game requiring them to play leader or follower roles, move in synchrony or while taking turns, and move cooperatively or competitively with an adult partner. Children with ASD had greater motor, planning, and spatial errors and took longer to complete the building tasks compared to typically developing (TD) children. Children with ASD had lower superior temporal sulcus (STS) activation during Turn-take and Compete, and greater Inferior Parietal Lobe (IPL) activation during Lead and Turn-take compared to TD children. As joint action demands increased, TD children showed greater STS activation during Turn-take (vs. Synchrony) and Compete (vs. Cooperate) whereas children with ASD showed greater IPL activation during Lead and Compete (vs. Cooperate). Our findings suggest that children with ASD rely on self-generated action plans (i.e., increased IPL activation) more than relying on their partner’s action cues (i.e., reduced STS activation) when performing joint actions.
Magnetoencephalography Resting-State Correlates of Executive and Language Components of Verbal Fluency
Authors: Oswald Victor , Zerouali Younes , Boulet-Craig Aubrée , Krajinovic Maja , Laverdière Caroline , Sinnett Daniel , Jolicoeur Pierre , Lippé Sarah , Jerbi Karim , Robaey Philippe 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Verbal fluency (VF) is a heterogeneous test that requires executive functions as well as language abilities. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the specificity of the resting state MEG correlates of the executive and language components. To this end, we administered a VFtest, another verbal test (Vocabulary), and another executive test (Trail Making Test), and we recorded 5-min eyes-open resting-state MEG data in 28 healthy participants. We used source-reconstructed spectral power estimates to compute correlation/anticorrelation MEG clusters with the performance at each test, as well as with the advantage in performance between tests, across individuals using cluster-level statisticsin the standard frequency bands. By obtaining conjunction clusters between verbal fluency scores and factor loading obtained for verbal fluency and each of the two other tests, we showed a core of slow clusters (delta to beta) localized in the right hemisphere, in adjacent parts of the premotor, pre-central and post-central cortex in the mid-lateral regions related to executive monitoring. We also found slow parietal clusters bilaterally and a cluster in the gamma 2 and 3 bandsin the left inferior frontal gyrus likely associated with phonological processinginvolved in verbal fluency.
Genome and Metagenome of The Phytophagous Gall-Inducing Mite Fragariocoptes Setiger (Eriophyoidea): Are Symbiotic Bacteria Responsible For Gall-Formation?
Authors: Klimov Pavel B. , Chetverikov Philipp E. , Dodueva Irina E. , Vishnyakov Andrey E. , Bolton Samuel J. , Paponova Svetlana S. , Lutova Ljudmila A. , Tolstikov Andrey V. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Eriophyoid mites represent a hyperdiverse, phytophagous lineage with an unclear phylogenetic position. These mites have succeeded in colonizing nearly every seed plant species, and this evolutionary success was in part due to the mites' ability to induce galls in plants. A gall is a unique niche that provides the inducer of this modification with vital resources. The exact mechanism of gall formation is still not understood, even as to whether it is endogenic (mites directly cause galls) or exogenic (symbiotic microorganisms are involved). Here we (i) investigate the phylogenetic affinities of eriophyoids and (ii) use comparative metagenomics to test the hypothesis that the endosymbionts of eriophyoid mites are involved in gall-formation. Our phylogenomic analysis robustly inferred eriophyoids as closely related to Nematalycidae, a group of deep-soil mites belonging to Endeostigmata. Our comparative metagenomics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and electron microscopy experiments identified two candidate endosymbiotic bacteria shared across samples, however, it is unlikely that they are gall-inducers (morphotype1: novel Wolbachia, morphotype2: possibly Agrobacterium tumefaciens). We also detected an array of plant pathogens associated with galls that may be vectored by the mites; a mite pathogenic virus (Betabaculovirus) has the potential to be used in the biocontrol of agricultural pests.
Dynamic Evaluation of Policy Feasibility, Feedbacks and the Ambitions of COALitions
Authors: Bi Stephen , Bauer Nico , Jewell Jessica 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The Paris Agreement prioritised international bottom-up climate negotiations. Meanwhile, research has asserted the coal exit as a prerequisite for Paris-consistent pathways. The Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), an opt-in initiative toward phasing-out coal-fired electricity by mid-century, embodies both paradigms but currently encompasses just 5% of global coal demand. To assess its long-term prospects against Paris-consistent pathways, we couple the energy-economy model REMIND to an empirical coalition accession model and demonstrate a novel scenario analysis technique, Dynamic Policy Evaluation (DPE). Capturing co-evolutionary feedbacks between policy uptake and global energy markets, we simulate nationally-and-temporally-fragmented PPCA accession and analyse its sensitivity to coalition growth, sectoral ambition, and Covid-19-related uncertainty. Surprisingly, we find that virtually-global PPCA participation achieves <3% of 1.5oC-consistent coal declines, as non-electric consumption remains unregulated. In contrast, our median-estimate scenario (82% accession) assuming economy-wide coverage achieves ~53% efficacy (virtually-global: ~85%), suggesting that the PPCA should prioritise policy ambition over coalition expansion.
The climate roles of H2O and CO2 from longwave absorption
Authors: Anderl Thomas 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In search for reproducibility of the results from sophisticated scientific research, the present work focuses on the longwave absorption in the atmosphere. It is found that the variability of Earth’s surface temperature follows a near-proportional relationship between the atmospheric trace gas concentrations of water vapor and CO2, and longwave absorption. Furthermore, estimates are attempted on the CO2 V/R-T (vibrational/rotational-to-translational) energy transfer as a dominant heating process.
Analysis of water yield service of Lianshui River Basin in China based on ecosystem services flow model
Authors: Zou Yang , Mao DeHua 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Water security assessment is very important to social development. However, most studies only focus on the status quo of water security in a static state and ignore the flow characteristics of water resources in water security assessment. This paper integrates multi-source data to construct a water supply and service supply–demand balance and spatial flow model in the Lianshui River Basin, simulates the spatial pattern of the service flow of the aquatic water ecosystem in the Lianshui River Basin from 1990 to 2018, and quantifies the service flow. Results show that: (1) From 1990 to 2018, the water supply in the Lianshui River Basin first decreased, then increased, and finally decreased. Water yield was the highest in 2010 and lowest in 2000. (2) Water demand increased year by year, and the amount of area with a poor water resource security index increased, indicating that water security was deteriorating. (3) The four main beneficiary areas in the basin are the urban area of Lianyuan City, the county seat of Shuangfeng County, the Louxing District of Loudi City, and the urban area of Xiangxiang City and nearby towns. The service flow showed the same changing trend as the water yield. In 2018, the water resource gap in the beneficiary area was as high as 4.49 billion m3. Local governments should actively build a water-saving society, improve the efficiency of industrial and agricultural water-saving and residents' awareness of water-saving, and improve the water resources in the river basin. The research can provide a scientific basis for realizing the sustainable development of water resources in the Lianshui River Basin and improving the ecological compensation mechanism, and can also provide references for water resources management in other river basins.
Smart metering technology and community participation: investigating household water usage and perceived value of hybrid water systems
Authors: Fornarelli R. , Anda M. , Dallas S. , Morrison G. M. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Hybrid water systems (HWSs) are emerging as an alternative decentralised and cost-effective approach for urban water management. Although continuous monitoring is recognised as an essential step to inform the planning and design of water services, a knowledge gap has been identified in the integration of water use monitoring, HWSs and community participation. This research compares water practices of households with and without HWSs, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data. Water use data were collected at selected households via smart meters at 30 minute intervals. R computing software was used for data analytics and dashboard visualisation. Qualitative data on water practices was collected through one-to-one interviews, on-line surveys and community workshops. On a per capita basis, sites with HWSs have a 20% lower total water demand and 41% lower mains water demand than sites without HWSs. Depending on the level of sophistication of the installed HWS, the reduction of mains water use across the participants ranged from 20% to as high as 80%. Almost all sites with HWSs were able to meet the state government targets (40–60 kL/person/y) on annual per capita mains water usage. The seasonality of rainwater supply versus the weather-independent supply of greywater was observed in the data. The qualitative data collected during community engagement highlighted the importance of establishing a personal connection between the individual and the water resource and of involving the resident in the different stages of harvesting, using and disposing of water. This is expected to contribute to a higher perceived value of the water resources by improving awareness, making knowledge more accessible, improving the transparency between the community needs and the water utility decisions. To this end, the role of digital technologies in the water sector plays a role in assisting with the paradigm shift from centralised water networks to an integrated and community-empowered, centralised-hybrid water system.
Integrating IHACRES with a data-driven model to investigate the possibility of improving monthly flow estimates
Authors: Fattahi Parisa , Ashrafzadeh Afshin , Pirmoradian Nader , Vazifedoust Majid 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Estimating the outflow of basins is a critical step in surface water resources planning and management, especially in basins that lack reliable long-term observed data of streamflow. Hydrological models, which can simulate the process of rainfall-runoff, can be used to obtain reliable estimates of streamflow from precipitation data and the physical characteristics of basins. The focus of the present study was to estimate the outflow of 19 sub-basins located in Guilan Province, northern Iran. To achieve this, hybrid models were developed by integrating the IHACRES (identification of unit hydrograph and component flows from rainfall, evapotranspiration, and streamflow) hydrological model with the intelligent-based GMDH (group method of data handling) model. The IHACRES model was calibrated using monthly ground-based precipitation and temperature data as well as satellite-based precipitation data. The lowest and highest Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NS) for the IHACRES models were, respectively, 0.14 and 0.68 in the calibration phase and 0.11 and 0.73 in the validation phase. It was also observed that using satellite-based precipitation data reduces NS by 10–75% in the 19 sub-basins under study. After calibrating and validating the IHACRES models, the hybrid models were developed by integrating IHACRES and GMDH models. The lowest and highest NS for the hybrid models were, respectively, 0.23 and 0.81 in the calibration phase and 0.11 and 0.81 in the validation phase. It was observed that, on average, integrating IHACRES and GMDH increases the NS by 44.1% in the calibration phase and 37.0% in the validation phase in comparison with the IHACRES model. According to the NS, the hybrid model had ‘acceptable’ performance in six sub-basins in which the IHCRES model had ‘unacceptable’ performance. It was observed that integrating the IHACRES model with a data-driven model (the GMDH model) can generally improve the simulation results in all sub-basins under study.
Modeling salinity risk response to irrigation practices for cotton production under film mulched drip irrigation in Xinjiang
Authors: Ning Songrui , Yan An , Zhou Beibei , Wang Quanjiu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Predicting the impacts of the irrigation amount (IA), water salinity (WS), and antecedent soil salinity (AS) on soil salinization, the crop yield, and water productivities (WPs) are important for precision agriculture. We used a calibrated HYDRUS − 2D model coupled with a validated crop water production function to quantitatively determine the response of a soil − cotton system to three factors (IA, WS, and AS) in 30 scenarios under film mulched drip irrigation. These scenarios included five IAs, two ASs, and three WSs. Under the same IA and WS, the transpiration, evapotranspiration, yield, and WPs were lower, whereas the evaporation, drainage, soil water storage, and leached salt were higher under higher AS (over the salt tolerance threshold of cotton) scenarios. Under lower AS scenarios, desalination processes (20.2 to 166.8 g m−2) occurred in freshwater (0.38 dS m−1) irrigation scenarios and salt accumulated (425.8 to 1,442.4 g m−2) in saline water (3.10 and 7.42 dS m−1) irrigation scenarios. Desalination processes (2,273.4 to 4,692 g m−2) occurred in the higher AS scenarios. Salinity risk warning should be the focus for cotton fields with lower AS and saline water irrigation. Our results may help to identify the salinity risk to support sustainable cotton production in Xinjiang.
Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Through Natural Killer
(NK) Cells: Unlocking NK Cells for Future Immunotherapy
Authors: Chin Ding Sheng , Lim Crystale Siew Ying , Nordin Fazlina , Arifin Norsyahida , Jun Tye Gee 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Natural killer (NK) cells have potent effector functions that can be further im-proved for therapeutic purposes through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Specific killing of virus-infected cells and cancer cells is modulated through target specific antibodies that subse-quently recruit NK cells for ADCC. NK cells produce cytokines similar to activated T cells, but is less persistent as NK cells have short-lived responses. These features benefit the development of customisable and more individualised cell-based therapies.

Objectives:
Preclinical studies with NK cells were promising and several clinical studies are ongoing to investigate their use in antibody therapies. However, more reliable ADCC assays are required for evaluat-ing NK cell activity to optimise therapeutic antibodies. The therapeutic potential of NK cell therapy could then be improved by harnessing ADCC.

Methods:
This review discusses recent studies on key components of NK cell-mediated ADCC, current clinical trials involving NK cells, ADCC assay developments and various techniques to improve ADCC.

Results:
Improvements can be made to NK-mediated ADCC through modifications of antibodies, effector cells and target antigens. Different aspects of antibodies were studied extensively, including modifying glycosylation patterns, novel production methods, combination regiments, bispecific antibodies, and con-jugated antibodies. Modification of NK cells and tumour surface markers could improve ADCC of even treatment-resistant cancer cells. Additives such as cytokines and other immunomodulatory agents can fur-ther augment ADCC to supplement NK cell-based therapies.

Conclusion:
ADCC improvements could be incorporated with current biological techniques such as adoptive transfer of NK cells and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells, to improve the outcome of NK cell-based therapy and pave the way for future immunotherapies.
Negatively-charged Liposome Nanoparticles Can Prevent Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerosis Progression in the Rabbit Model
Authors: Momtazi-Borojeni Amir Abbas , Abdollahi Elham , Jaafari Mahmoud R. , Banach Maciej , Watts Gerald F. , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim:
Negatively charged nanoliposomes have a strong attraction towards
plasma lipoprotein particles and can thereby regulate lipid metabolism. Here, the impact of
such nanoliposomes on dyslipidaemia and progression of atherosclerosis was investigated in a rabbit
model.

Methods:
Two sets of negatively-charged nanoliposome formulations including [hydrogenated soy
phosphatidylcholine (HSPC)/1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoglycerol (DSPG)] and [1,2-
Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (DMPC)/1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine
(DMPG)/Cholesterol] were evaluated. Rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet were randomly divided
into 3 groups (n=5/group) intravenously administrated with HSPC/DSPG formulation (DSPG
group; 100 mmol/kg), DMPC/DMPG formulation (DMPG group; 100 mmol/kg), or the normal
saline (control group; 0.9% NaCl) over a 4-week period. The atherosclerotic lesions of the aortic
arch wall were studied using haematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results:
Both DSPG and DMPG nanoliposome formulations showed a nano-sized range in diameter
with a negatively-charged surface and a polydispersity index of <0.1. After 4 weeks administration,
the nanoliposome formulations decreased triglycerides (-62±3% [DSPG group] and -58±2%
[DMPG group]), total cholesterol (-58±9% [DSPG group] and -37±5% [DMPG group]), and lowdensity
lipoprotein cholesterol (-64±6% [DSPG group] and -53±10% [DMPG group]) levels, and
increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (+67±28% [DSPG group] and +35±19% [DMPG
group]) levels compared with the controls. The nanoliposomes showed a significant decrease in the
severity of atherosclerotic lesions: mean values of the intima to media ratio in DMPG (0.96±0.1
fold) and DSPG (0.54±0.02 fold) groups were found to be significantly lower than that in the control
(1.2±0.2 fold) group (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
Anionic nanoliposomes containing [HSPC/DSPG] and [DMPC/DMPG] correct dyslipidaemia
and inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis.