bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation of rhizosheath and analysis of microbial community structure around roots of Stipa grandis
Authors: Zhu Ai-Min , Wu Qian , Liu Hai-Li , Sun Hai-Lian , Han Guo-Dong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRoot zone microbial structure is particularly complex in plants with rhizosheaths, and greater understanding of the rhizosheath may play an important role in the future development of sustainable agricultural practices. However, one important reason to focus study on rhizosheath microbial structure is that there is no definite method for rhizosheath separation. The aim of this study was to explore rhizosheath isolation methods and the diversity characteristics of microorganisms around the rhizosphere. In this study, we isolated the rhizosheath of Stipa grandis, a dominant species in desert steppe, and the microorganisms in the roots, root epidermis, rhizosheath and rhizosphere soil were extracted and sequenced by 16S rRNA and ITS. The alpha diversity index of bacteria in Stipa grandis rhizosphere soil was the greatest, followed by rhizosheath, and the alpha diversity index of endophytic bacteria in root system was the smallest. The alpha diversity index of fungi in the rhizosheath and rhizosphere soil were significantly higher than that in the root epidermis and root system. There were significant differences in bacterial community structure between the root epidermis, endophytic bacteria, rhizosheath and rhizosphere soil. Unlike bacterial community structure, the community structure of fungi in the root epidermis was similar that of endophytic fungi, but significantly different from those in rhizosheath and rhizosphere soil. This study demonstrated a feasible method for separating plant rhizosheath and root epidermis. We suggest that the root epidermis can act as the interface between the host plant root and the external soil environment. We will have to re-examine the biological and ecological significance of rhizosheath and microorganisms in rhizosheath, as well as the mechanism explaining the close relationship of the rhizosheath and the plant root epidermis. This study provides theoretical and technical guidance for the isolation of the plant rhizosheath and the study of microorganisms in plant rhizosheath.
Improved fixation stability for repairing pedicle screw loosening using a modified cement filling technique in porcine vertebrae
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Kai , Li Yun-Da , Li Yu-Chen , Liu Mu-Yi , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lai Po-Liang , Tai Ching-Lung 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPolymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been applied clinically and biomechanically repair loose pedicle screws. Controversies have arisen over data due to uncontrolled cement properties, various locations and sizes of fenestrated holes in repair screws, irregular holes and different bone densities of specimens. In this study, the pullout strength was compared for two techniques, the modified technique to use PMMA to augment a threaded hole and the traditional technique with retrograde injection of a PMMA filling, for standard loose screws in porcine vertebrae. Both techniques provided statistically significant results for sufficiently randomized specimens and experimental procedures. The difference in the pullout strength between conical and cylindrical screws for the aforementioned cement augmentation techniques was also investigated. Twenty-four single-level fresh-frozen lumbar vertebrae from L1 to L6 were harvested from four mature pigs. A total of 0.8 ml of PMMA was retrograde injected into screw holes with a 5.5 mm diameter, followed by insertion of a 5.0 mm diameter repair screw in the traditional group (n = 12). A stiff threaded PMMA hole was created with a 4.5 mm tapping screw before insertion of repair screws in the modified group (n = 12). Two screw geometries were randomly assigned as cylindrical (n = 6) and conical (n = 6) in each group. The correlations between filling techniques, screw geometries and axial pullout strength were analyzed. An appropriate screw trajectory and insertion depth were confirmed using X-ray imaging prior to pullout testing in both groups. For a given screw geometry (cylindrical or conical), the pullout force of the modified group was significantly higher than that of the traditional group. There was no significant difference in the pullout force between the screw geometries for a given filling technique. The cement augmentation technique is far more influential than the screw outer geometry. The modified PMMA technique created a greater anchor force than the traditional method and could be an alternative for revision of pedicle screw loosening.
FTIR differentiation based on genomic DNA for species identification of Shigella isolates from stool samples
Authors: Pakbin Babak , Zolghadr Leila , Rafiei Shahnaz , Brück Wolfram Manuel , Brück Thomas B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractShigellosis is one of the major public health concerns in developing and low-income countries caused by four species of Shigella. There is an apparent need to develop rapid, cost-effective, sensitive and specific methods for differentiation of Shigella species to be used in outbreaks and health surveillance systems. We developed a sensitive and specific Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) based method followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) assays to differentiate four species of Shigella isolates from stool samples. The FTIR based method was evaluated by differentiation of 91 Shigella species from each other in clinical samples using both gold standards (culture-based and agglutination methods) and developed FTIR assay; eventually, the sensitivity and specificity of the developed method were calculated. In summary, four distinct FTIR spectra associated with four species of Shigella were obtained with wide variations in three definite regions, including 1800–1550 cm−1, 1550–1100 cm−1, and 1100–800 cm−1 distinguish these species from each other. In this study, we found the FTIR method followed by PCA analysis with specificity, sensitivity, differentiation error and correct differentiation rate values of 100, 100, 0 and 100%, respectively, for identification and differentiation of all species of the Shigella in stool samples.
Impacts of continuous and rotational cropping practices on soil chemical properties and microbial communities during peanut cultivation
Authors: Li Huying , Li Chaohui , Song Xin , Liu Yue , Gao Qixiong , Zheng Rui , Li Jintai , Zhang Pengcheng , Liu Xunli 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLong-term monocultures have severely inhibited the cultivation of Chinese peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). In this study, the effects of continuous cropping on soil chemical properties and microbial communities were investigated in peanut fields that had been in crop rotation for 10 years and in monoculture for 10 years. The results found that long-term monoculture increased the activities of available potassium, available phosphorus, available nitrogen, soil organic matter, urease, acid phosphatase and catalase; while decreasing the activity of catalase. The diversity and abundance of soil bacteria and fungi is higher under continuous peanut cultivation. At the genus level, the relative abundance of potentially beneficial microflora genera was higher in the rhizosphere soil of rotational cropping than in continuous cropping, while the opposite was true for the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic fungal genera. Principal coordinates and cluster analysis indicated that continuous cropping altered the structure of the microbial community. The results of the functional predictions showed significant differences in the functioning of the rhizosphere microbial community between continuous and rotational cropping. In conclusion, long-term continuous cropping changed the chemical properties of the soil, altered the structure and function of the soil bacterial and fungal communities in peanut rhizosphere, which to some extent reduced the relative abundance of potentially beneficial microbial genera and increased the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic fungal genera, thus increasing the potential risk of soil-borne diseases and reducing the yield and quality of peanut. Therefore, in the actual production process, attention should be paid not only to the application of chemical fertilizers, but also to crop rotation and the application of microbial fertilizers.
Structure of the stress-related LHCSR1 complex determined by an integrated computational strategy
Authors: Guarnetti Prandi Ingrid , Sláma Vladislav , Pecorilla Cristina , Cupellini Lorenzo , Mennucci Benedetta 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLight-harvesting complexes (LHCs) are pigment-protein complexes whose main function is to capture sunlight and transfer the energy to reaction centers of photosystems. In response to varying light conditions, LH complexes also play photoregulation and photoprotection roles. In algae and mosses, a sub-family of LHCs, light-harvesting complex stress-related (LHCSR), is responsible for photoprotective quenching. Despite their functional and evolutionary importance, no direct structural information on LHCSRs is available that can explain their unique properties. In this work, we propose a structural model of LHCSR1 from the moss P. patens, obtained through an integrated computational strategy that combines homology modeling, molecular dynamics, and multiscale quantum chemical calculations. The model is validated by reproducing the spectral properties of LHCSR1. Our model reveals the structural specificity of LHCSR1, as compared with the CP29 LH complex, and poses the basis for understanding photoprotective quenching in mosses.
BrewerIX enables allelic expression analysis of imprinted and X-linked genes from bulk and single-cell transcriptomes
Authors: Martini Paolo , Sales Gabriele , Diamante Linda , Perrera Valentina , Colantuono Chiara , Riccardo Sara , Cacchiarelli Davide , Romualdi Chiara , Martello Graziano 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGenomic imprinting and X chromosome inactivation (XCI) are two prototypical epigenetic mechanisms whereby a set of genes is expressed mono-allelically in order to fine-tune their expression levels. Defects in genomic imprinting have been observed in several neurodevelopmental disorders, in a wide range of tumours and in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) are readily detectable by RNA-sequencing allowing the determination of whether imprinted or X-linked genes are aberrantly expressed from both alleles, although standardised analysis methods are still missing. We have developed a tool, named BrewerIX, that provides comprehensive information about the allelic expression of a large, manually-curated set of imprinted and X-linked genes. BrewerIX does not require programming skills, runs on a standard personal computer, and can analyze both bulk and single-cell transcriptomes of human and mouse cells directly from raw sequencing data. BrewerIX confirmed previous observations regarding the bi-allelic expression of some imprinted genes in naive pluripotent cells and extended them to preimplantation embryos. BrewerIX also identified misregulated imprinted genes in breast cancer cells and in human organoids and identified genes escaping XCI in human somatic cells. We believe BrewerIX will be useful for the study of genomic imprinting and XCI during development and reprogramming, and for detecting aberrations in cancer, iPSCs and organoids. Due to its ease of use to non-computational biologists, its implementation could become standard practice during sample assessment, thus raising the robustness and reproducibility of future studies.
TAQing2.0 for genome reorganization of asexual industrial yeasts by direct protein transfection
Authors: Yasukawa Taishi , Oda Arisa H. , Nakamura Takahiro , Masuo Naohisa , Tamura Miki , Yamasaki Yuriko , Imura Makoto , Yamada Takatomi , Ohta Kunihiro 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGenomic rearrangements often generate phenotypic diversification. We previously reported the TAQing system where genomic rearrangements are induced via conditional activation of a restriction endonuclease in yeast and plant cells to produce mutants with marked phenotypic changes. Here we developed the TAQing2.0 system based on the direct delivery of endonucleases into the cell nucleus by cell-penetrating peptides. Using the optimized procedure, we introduce a heat-reactivatable endonuclease TaqI into an asexual industrial yeast (torula yeast), followed by a transient heat activation of TaqI. TAQing2.0 leads to generation of mutants with altered flocculation and morphological phenotypes, which exhibit changes in chromosomal size. Genome resequencing suggested that torula yeast is triploid with six chromosomes and the mutants have multiple rearrangements including translocations having the TaqI recognition sequence at the break points. Thus, TAQing2.0 is expected as a useful method to obtain various mutants with altered phenotypes without introducing foreign DNA into asexual industrial microorganisms.
Tunable metal contacts at layered black-arsenic/metal interface forming during metal deposition for device fabrication
Authors: Kundu Subhajit , Golani Prafful , Yun Hwanhui , Guo Silu , Youssef Khaled M. , Koester Steven J. , Mkhoyan K. Andre 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the kinetics of interfacial reaction in the deposition of metal contacts on 2D materials is important for determining the level of contact tenability and the nature of the contact itself. Here, we find that some metals, when deposited onto layered black-arsenic films using e-beam evaporation, form a-few-nm thick distinct intermetallic layer and significantly change the nature of the metal contact. In the case of nickel, the intermetallic layer is Ni11As8, whereas in the cases of chromium and titanium they are CrAs and a-Ti3As, respectively, with their unique structural and electronic properties. We also find that temperature, which affects interatomic diffusion and interfacial reaction kinetics, can be used to control the thickness and crystallinity of the interfacial layer. In the field effect transistors with black-arsenic channel, due to the specifics of its formation, this interfacial layer introduces a second and more efficient edge-type charge transfer pathway from the metal into the black-arsenic. Such tunable interfacial metal contacts could provide new pathways for engineering highly efficient devices and device architectures.
Pacific decadal variability over the last 2000 years and implications for climatic risk
Authors: Vance Tessa R. , Kiem Anthony S. , Jong Lenneke M. , Roberts Jason L. , Plummer Christopher T. , Moy Andrew D. , Curran Mark A. J. , van Ommen Tas D. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation, an index which defines decadal climate variability throughout the Pacific, is generally assumed to have positive and negative phases that each last 20-30 years. Here we present a 2000-year reconstruction of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation, obtained using information preserved in Antarctic ice cores, that shows negative phases are short (7 ± 5 years) and infrequent (occurring 10% of the time) departures from a predominantly neutral-positive state that lasts decades (61 ± 56 years). These findings suggest that Pacific Basin climate risk is poorly characterised due to over-representation of negative phases in post-1900 observations. We demonstrate the implications of this for eastern Australia, where drought risk is elevated during neutral-positive phases, and highlight the need for a re-evaluation of climate risk for all locations affected by the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation. The initiation and future frequency of negative phases should also be a research priority given their prevalence in more recent centuries.
Post-GWAS functional analysis identifies CUX1 as a regulator of p16INK4a and cellular senescence
Authors: Jiang Danli , Sun Wei , Wu Ting , Zou Meijuan , Vasamsetti Sathish Babu , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhao Yihan , Phillippi Julie A. , Sawalha Amr H. , Tavakoli Sina , Dutta Partha , Florentin Jonathan , Chan Stephen Y. , Tollison Tammy S. , Di Wu  , Cui Jing , Huntress Ian , Peng Xinxia , Finkel Toren , Li Gang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAccumulation of senescent cells with age is an important driver of aging and age-related diseases. However, the mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate senescence remain elusive. In this report, we performed post-genome-wide association studies (GWAS) functional studies on the CDKN2A/B locus, a locus known to be associated with multiple age-related diseases and overall human lifespan. We demonstrate that transcription factor CUX1 (Cut-Like Homeobox 1) specifically binds to an atherosclerosis-associated functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (fSNP) (rs1537371) within the locus and regulates the CDKN2A/B-encoded proteins p14ARF, p15INK4b and p16INK4a and the antisense noncoding RNA in the CDK4 (INK4) locus (ANRIL) in endothelial cells (ECs). Endothelial CUX1 expression correlates with telomeric length and is induced by both DNA-damaging agents and oxidative stress. Moreover, induction of CUX1 expression triggers both replicative and stress-induced senescence via activation of p16INK4a expression. Thus, our studies identify CUX1 as a regulator of p16INK4a-dependent endothelial senescence and a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and other age-related diseases.
The Reliability of Telepractice Administration of the Western Aphasia Battery–Revised in Persons With Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Rao Leela A. , Roberts Angela C. , Schafer Rhiana , Rademaker Alfred , Blaze Erin , Esparza Marissa , Salley Elizabeth , Coventry Christina , Weintraub Sandra , Mesulam M.-Marsel , Rogalski Emily 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
The use of telepractice in the field of communication disorders offers an opportunity to provide care for those with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The Western Aphasia Battery–Revised (WAB-R) is used for differential diagnosis, to assess severity of aphasia, and to identify a language profile of strengths and challenges. Telehealth administration of the WAB-R is supported for those with chronic aphasia due to stroke but has not yet been systematically explored in neurodegenerative dementia syndromes. To fill this gap, in-person and telehealth performance on the WAB-R from participants with mild to moderate PPA was compared.

Method:
Nineteen participants with mild to moderate PPA were administered the WAB-R in person and over videoconferencing. Videoconferencing administration included modifications to the testing protocol to ensure smooth completion of the assessment. Subtest and Aphasia Quotient (WAB-AQ) summary scores were compared using concordance coefficients to measure the relationship between the administration modes.

Results:
In-person and telehealth scores showed strong concordance for the WAB-AQ, Auditory Verbal Comprehension subtest, and Naming & Word Finding subtest. The Spontaneous Speech test summary score had slightly lower concordance, indicating the need for caution when comparing these scores across administration modes.

Conclusion:
These findings support extending the use of telehealth administration of the WAB-R via videoconferencing to those with mild to moderate PPA given appropriate modifications to testing protocol.
Homeless Encampments, Hotels, and Equitable Access to Public Space: Socially Sustainable Post-Pandemic Public Spaces in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Broderick Lliam Anthony 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing social inequities (
de la Barre et al., 2020
;
Fenley, 2020
;
Perri et al., 2020
). The closure of drop-in services and community centres, reduced access to public spaces, and a reduction in resources has had a negative impact on marginalized populations (
Perri et al., 2020
). Moreover, these tumultuous circumstances have led to increased numbers of persons setting up encampments and clustering in public space across British Columbia, Canada (British Columbia Ministry of Health, 2020b).

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Vancouver Island University World Leisure Centre of Excellence
© Lliam Anthony Broderick 2021
Placemaking through Deep Cultural Mapping: The Where is Here? Project
Authors: Vaugeois Nicole L. , Rosser Sunny , Karsten Sharon , Williams Alanna , Shaw Pam 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
One of the most visible avenues used by small cities to retain competitiveness can be seen in the attempts to revitalize their downtown areas to create places and spaces enjoyed and valued by residents and visitors. Formerly recognized as the heart or centre of small cities, many downtown areas have suffered due to urban sprawl and a loss of connectedness or familiarity among new residents. While efforts to address downtown revitalization are evident such as the creation of public spaces, events and support for small businesses, there remains a need to understand if, and how, residents in small cities value their downtown areas.

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A publication of the World Leisure Centre of Excellence
© Nicole L. Vaugeois, Sunny Rosser, Sharon Karsten, Alanna Williams and Pam Shaw 2016
A Leisure Professional Association’s Structural Change, to Remain Relevant to its Members as well as in its Support of the Profession – Part 1
Authors: James J. Joy , Weddell Melissa S. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
North Carolina Recreation and Park Association (NCRPA), a leisure and recreation professional association, recognized its need to transition from a traditional professional association model to a new model that engaged members and professionals in the field, provided opportunities for volunteer involvement that are short and long-term, and become relevant in a fast-changing world.

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A publication of Vancouver Island University World Leisure Centre of Excellence Main image: City skyline of Charlotte North Carolina from Marshall Park (iStock)
© J. Joy James and Melissa S. Weddell 2016
Characterisation and mitigation of renewable droughts in the Australian National Electricity Market
Authors: Boston Andy , Bongers Geoffrey D , Bongers Nathan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In a decarbonising world, the electricity generation mix in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) is likely to be heavily dependent on wind and solar. Designing an electricity system dominated by variable renewable energy generation requires careful examination of periods of low renewable output to ensure storage or other back up generation is sufficient to avoid loss of load. This study uses 15 years of climate and electricity demand data to examine the frequency and nature of the occurrence of low renewable periods. It examines strategies for their mitigation so that unserved energy standards are not breached. We have found that the winter period, May to August, is the time where the NEM is at greatest risk of loss of load. This winter period is when the demand in southern Australian states is higher, solar generation is lower and a series of low wind periods can drain storage. It has been demonstrated that any proposed generation mix reliant on renewable energy generation should be stress tested across a low wind winter, like the complex winter of 2010, not just a single isolated low wind period. Storage was found to be ideal to provide energy for a few hours overnight, but firm dispatchable thermal generation is likely to be a lower cost option than long term storage for extended low wind periods. Diversifying generation with the addition of offshore wind may reduce the need for storage, although the need for floating wind turbines may make this alternative too expensive to add any value in the Australian context.