bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radioactivity and Environmental Impacts of Granites from Um Ara, Southeastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: A. H El-Afandy , El-Feky Mohamed G. , Taha Samia H. , El Minyawi S. M. , Sallam H. A. , Tawfic A. F. , Omar A. , El-Samrah M. G. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Granites from the Southeastern Desert of Egypt were investigated by using in situ γ-ray spectrometer. Consequently, estimating the radiological effects from these rocks were achieved through calculation of some radiological parameters; Annual effective dose equivalent AEDE, Internal hazard index Hin, External hazard index Hex, Alpha activity index Iα, Excess lifetime cancer risk, ELCR, Annual gonadal dose equivalent AGDE, Gamma activity concentration index Iγ and Radium equivalent activity Raeq. The geological nature of the region under investigation was affected by the radioactivity measurements of the rocks under study. This was observed by the high U, Th, and K values, which exceed the average world value for safety used as building materials. Therefore, the granites of Om Ara may be inappropriate to choose as a building material or as an indoor and outdoor decorative. At the same time, the region under study represents valuable economic minerals sources that can be used in several industrial applications.
Bulk-Combinatorial Method for Exploring New Superconductors and its Mathematical Aspect
Authors: Hase I , Iyo A , Higashi Y , Yanagisawa T , Kawashima K 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper we introduce our method to explore new superconductors: bulk-combinatorial method. Using this method, we have succeeded in finding many new superconductors so far. We also show that the problems that arise when identifying new superconducting phases in this way are related to the famous mathematical puzzle, the so-called “1000 poisoned wine bottles”, under some assumptions.
Fabrication of superconducting coils and (Ba,A)Fe2As2 (A:Na, K) long round wires with large superconducting cores
Authors: Pyon S , Ito T , Tamegai T , Kajitani H , Koizumi N , Awaji S , Kito H , Ishida S , Yoshida Y 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
We fabricated superconducting coils using 10-20 m-class round wires of 122-type iron-based superconductors (IBSs). Round wires and coils are fabricated by powder-in-tube method and hot-isostatic-press technique. Transport critical current (I
c) of the whole (Ba,K)Fe2As2 coil is 46 A under the self-field at 4.2 K, and magnetic field at the center of the coil reaches 0.3 T. Although the edge of the long wire in the coil is damaged, the rest of the part is relatively homogeneous. Furthermore, the largest transport critical current density (J
c) and I
c in (Ba,K)Fe2As2 wires picked up from the coil reach 49 kAcm−2 and 44 A at 4.2 K under a magnetic field of 10 T, respectively. This value exceeds the previous highest transport J
c of (Ba,K)Fe2As2 round wires. We also fabricated a (Ba,Na)Fe2As2 coil using long round wire with large superconducting core by react and wind method. Transport I
c of the coil is significantly low due to cracks perpendicular to electric current flow direction, although magnetic J
c in the round wire picked up from the coil reaches 40 kAcm−2 at 4.2 K under 4 T.
Heat leak variation with the surface temperature of a cryogenic pipe of the superconducting power transmission
Authors: Watanabe Hirofumi , Iizuka Shiori , Kato Takaya , Kanda Masae , Yamaguchi Satarou 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The measurements of the heat leak variation with the surface temperature of a cryogenic pipe of the superconducting power transmission were performed in the range of 23.7 °C–36.4 °C. The cryogenic pipe which was an object of the present study was that used in the project of the superconducting DC power transmission conducted in Ishikari, Japan (Ishikari project). This cryogenic pipe has two inner pipes in one outer pipe, with a radiation shield used to conceal the inner pipe installing the cable from the outer pipe, which is at room temperature, to reduce heat leakage. A test pipe with the length of 12 m was used for the measurements. The liquid nitrogen was filled in the test pipe and the evaporated nitrogen gas rate was measured to obtain the heat leak. The heat leak to the inner pipe installing the cable was almost constant at around 0.04 W/m, whereas the heat leak to the other inner pipe used to return liquid nitrogen for circulation was around 1.3 W/m at surface temperatures ranging from 23.7 °C to 36.4 °C. The latter, with previous measurements, was well fitted by a function considering radiative heat transfer and conductive heat transfer. Portions of the radiative heat transfer and the conductive heat transfer were separated with this function. This information can be used to improve the cryogenic pipe in the future.
Scattering of plane-wave and twisted photons by helical media
Authors: Kazinski P O , Korolev P S 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
By using quantum electrodynamics in a dispersive medium, we describe scattering of plane-wave and twisted photons by a slab made of a helical medium, the helix axis being normal to the slab plane and the medium being not translation invariant in this plane, in general. In the particular cases, the permittivity tensor of a helical medium corresponds to cholesteric liquid crystals, C*-smectics, biaxial chiral nematics and smectics, Q-plates, chiral sculptured thin films, and helical dislocations. Both perturbative and nonperturbative approaches are considered. The explicit expressions for scattering amplitudes, probabilities, and Stokes parameters of photons are found taking into account the form of the photon wave packet. The selection rules are established showing that the helical medium transfers the momentum and the angular momentum to scattered photons. This property can be employed for production of twisted photons with large projection of the total angular momentum. We describe the device for shifting the projection of the total angular momentum of a photon and the principal scheme for signal coding in terms of twisted photons.
Avenues to generalising Bell inequalities
Authors: Karczewski Marcin , Scala Giovanni , Mandarino Antonio , Sainz Ana Belén , Żukowski Marek 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Characterizing the set of all Bell inequalities is a notably hard task. An insightful method of solving it in case of Bell correlation inequalities for scenarios with two dichotomic measurements per site—for arbitrary number of parties—was given in references [2001 Phys. Rev. A
64 010102(R)] and [2001 Phys. Rev. A
64 032112]. Using complex-valued correlation functions, we generalize their approach to a broader class of Bell scenarios, in which the parties may choose from more than two multi-outcome measurements. Although the resulting families of Bell inequalities are not always tight, their coefficients have an intuitively understandable structure. We probe their usefulness by numerically testing their ability to detect Bell nonclassicality in simple interferometric experiments. Moreover, we identify a similar structure in the CGLMP inequality expressed in a correlation-based form, which allows us to generalise it to three parties.
Atomic excitation caused by α decay of the nucleus: model study
Authors: Breukelaar I G , van Dijk W 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
When the nucleus of an atom decays by emitting an α particle, the surrounding electrons are disturbed and the atom may be ionized. Practically all calculations so far done for this ionization process are based on Migdal’s method in which the α particle is treated as a classical point charge that is emitted by the nucleus at a certain time. Migdal’s method yields the ionization probability that is in reasonable agreement with experiment. On the other hand, Kataoka et al indicated by means of a schematic model calculation that a fully quantum mechanical treatment of the α particle leads to the ionization probability much smaller than the one predicted by Migdal’s method. We reexamine Kataoka et al’s calculation by simplifying the model of the atom such that an exact calculation is feasible. We find that Migdal’s method can be approximately justified, and clarify the earlier analysis.
Effect of density on Mediterranean pine seedlings using the Nelder wheel design: analysis of survival and early growth
Authors: Ruano Irene , Pando Valentín , Bravo Felipe 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThere is growing interest in mixed-species forests but also a lack of studies that analyse them at the regeneration phases or any stage other than mature stands. Information is particularly scarce about relatively unproductive species such as Pinus pinaster and Pinus halepensis in Mediterranean ecosystems. The objective of this study was to investigate inter- and intra-specific interactions of both species at different tree densities during the first years of establishment. Five Nelder wheel plots were planted to test densities ranging from 1000 to 80 000 seedlings/ha and simulate establishment sub-processes at high densities. Further, P. pinaster and P. halepensis were mixed along the spokes, to obtain three mixture levels in which 100, 80 or 60 per cent of the seedlings were of the same species. Cox proportional-hazards models and binomial logistic regressions were fitted to analyse seedling survival. Early growth (basal diameter and height at one and four years after plantation) was analysed by fitting linear mixed-effects models. In this regard, P. halepensis showed higher survival rates and basal diameter increments but more time is needed to know how P. pinaster responds to density and mixture. Both competitive and facilitating seedling interactions were observed at higher densities, which fostered seedling survival but decreased early growth.
WRKY53 negatively regulates rice cold tolerance at the booting stage by fine-tuning anther gibberellin levels
Authors: Tang Jiaqi , Tian Xiaojie , Mei Enyang , He Mingliang , Gao Junwen , Yu Jun , Xu Min , Liu Jiali , Song Lu , Li Xiufeng , Wang Zhenyu , Guan Qingjie , Zhao Zhigang , Wang Chunming , Bu Qingyun 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCold tolerance at the booting (CTB) stage is a major factor limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity and geographical distribution. A few cold-tolerance genes have been identified, but they either need to be overexpressed to result in CTB or cause yield penalties, limiting their utility for breeding. Here, we characterize the function of the cold-induced transcription factor WRKY53 in rice. The wrky53 mutant displays increased CTB, as determined by higher seed setting. Low temperature is associated with lower gibberellin (GA) contents in anthers in the wild type but not in the wrky53 mutant, which accumulates slightly more GA in its anthers. WRKY53 directly binds to the promoters of GA biosynthesis genes and transcriptionally represses them in anthers. In addition, we uncover a possible mechanism by which GA regulates male fertility: SLENDER RICE1 (SLR1) interacts with and sequesters two critical transcription factors for tapetum development, UNDEVELOPED TAPETUM1 (UDT1), and TAPETUM DEGENERATION RETARDATION (TDR), and GA alleviates the sequestration by SLR1, thus allowing UDT1 and TDR to activate transcription. Finally, knocking out WRKY53 in diverse varieties increases cold tolerance without a yield penalty, leading to a higher yield in rice subjected to cold stress. Together, these findings provide a target for improving CTB in rice.
A SlCLV3-SlWUS module regulates auxin and ethylene homeostasis in low light-induced tomato flower abscission
Authors: Cheng Lina , Li Ruizhen , Wang Xiaoyang , Ge Siqi , Wang Sai , Liu Xianfeng , He Jing , Jiang Cai-Zhong , Qi Mingfang , Xu Tao , Li Tianlai 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Premature abscission of flowers and fruits triggered by low light stress can severely reduce crop yields. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of this organ abscission is not fully understood. Here, we show that a gene (SlCLV3) encoding CLAVATA3 (CLV3), a peptide hormone that regulates stem cell fate in meristems, is highly expressed in the pedicel abscission zone (AZ) in response to low light in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). SlCLV3 knockdown and knockout lines exhibit delayed low light-induced flower drop. The receptor kinases SlCLV1 and BARELY ANY MERISTEM1 function in the SlCLV3 peptide-induced low light response in the AZ to decrease expression of the transcription factor gene WUSCHEL (SlWUS). DNA affinity purification sequencing identified the transcription factor genes KNOX-LIKE HOMEDOMAIN PROTEIN1 (SlKD1) and FRUITFULL2 (SlFUL2) as SlWUS target genes. Our data reveal that low light reduces SlWUS expression, resulting in higher SlKD1 and SlFUL2 expression in the AZ, thereby perturbing the auxin response gradient and causing increased ethylene production, eventually leading to the initiation of abscission. These results demonstrate that the SlCLV3-SlWUS signaling pathway plays a central role in low light-induced abscission by affecting auxin and ethylene homeostasis.
Clinical Progress and Preclinical Insights Into Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation Improvement
Authors: Sun Zhongjie , Yao Bing , Xie Huangfan , Su XunCheng 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The application of umbilical cord blood (UCB) as an important source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for hematopoietic reconstitution in the clinical context has steadily grown worldwide in the past 30 years. UCB has advantages that include rapid availability of donors, less strict HLA-matching demands, and low rates of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) versus bone marrow (BM) and mobilized peripheral blood (PB). However, the limited number of HSPCs within a single UCB unit often leads to delayed hematopoietic engraftment, increased risk of transplant-related infection and mortality, and proneness to graft failure, thus hindering wide clinical application. Many strategies have been developed to improve UCB engraftment, most of which are based on 2 approaches: increasing the HSPC number ex vivo before transplantation and enhancing HSPC homing to the recipient BM niche after transplantation. Recently, several methods have shown promising progress in UCB engraftment improvement. Here, we review the current situations of UCB manipulation in preclinical and clinical settings and discuss challenges and future directions.
Integrated microRNA and transcriptome profiling reveals the regulatory network of embryo abortion in jujube
Authors: Du Jiangtao , Shi Qianqian , Liu Yu , Shi Guozhao , Li Xi , Li Xingang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Hybridization is an important approach to the production of new varieties with exceptional traits. Although the kernel rate of wild jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa Hu.) is generally high, that of cultivated jujube (Z. jujuba Mill.) is low, greatly hampering the jujube breeding process. However, the mechanism by which this trait changed during jujube domestication remains unclear. Here, we explored the potential regulatory network that governs jujube embryo abortion using correlation analysis of population traits, artificial pollination, sugar content measurements and multi-omics analysis. The results showed that embryo abortion was an important reason for the low kernel rate of cultivated jujube, and kernel rate was negatively correlated with edible rate. Twenty-one days after pollination was a critical period for embryo abortion. At this time, the sugar content of cultivated ‘Junzao’ kernels decreased significantly compared with that of the pulp, but sugar content remained relatively stable in kernels of wild ‘Suanzao’. A total of 1142 differentially expressed genes targeted by 93 microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified by transcriptome, miRNA and degradome sequencing, and may be involved in the regulation of embryo abortion during kernel development. Among them, DELLA protein, TCP14 and bHLH93 transcription factors have been shown to participate in the regulation of embryonic development. Our findings suggest that carbohydrate flow between different tissues of cultivated jujube exhibits a bias toward the pulp at 21 days after pollination, thereby restricting the process of kernel development. This information enhances our understanding of the embryo abortion process and reveals miRNA–target gene pairs that may be useful for molecular-assisted breeding.
An Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Simultaneous Determination of 4 β-Lactam Antibiotics, Tazobactam, and Linezolid in Human Plasma Samples
Authors: Piestansky Juraj , Cizmarova Ivana , Mikus Peter , Parrak Vojtech , Babiak Pavel , Secnik Peter , Secnik Peter , Kovac Andrej 
Published: August 2022

Background:
Optimization of antimicrobial therapy is a challenge in critically ill patients who develop extreme interindividual and intraindividual pharmacokinetic variability. Therapeutic drug monitoring is a valuable tool for maximizing the effect of a drug and minimizing its adverse and unwanted effects. The aim of the current work was to develop and validate an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method to determine multiple antibiotics in clinical plasma samples from critically ill patients; low sample volume and rapid processing of samples were considered the main criteria.

Methods:
A separation method based on an online combination of UHPLC-MS/MS was developed for the simultaneous determination of 4 β-lactam antibiotics (cefepime, meropenem, cefotaxime, and piperacillin), tazobactam, and linezolid in human plasma samples. The volume of plasma sample used for analysis was 20 µL. The developed method was validated according to Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

Results:
The chromatographic run time was 8 minutes. Calibration curves were linear for concentration ranges of 0.1–100 mcg/mL (r2 > 0.99) for tazobactam, meropenem, cefotaxime, linezolid, and piperacillin and 1–100 mcg/mL (r2 > 0.99) for cefepime. The intraday and interday accuracy of the method ranged from 92.4% to 110.7% and 93.6% to 113.3%, respectively. The intraday and interday precision values were ≤17.3% and ≤17.4%, respectively. No interfering and carryover analytes were observed.

Conclusions:
The developed UHPLC-MS/MS method is an appropriate and practical tool for therapeutic drug monitoring of the selected antibiotics. Owing to its rapidity, requirement of low sample volume, and high selectivity, sensitivity, and reliability, it can be effectively implemented in routine clinical laboratory tests for critically ill patients.
Effectiveness of Commonly Used Contact Lens Disinfectants Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Veugen Judith M. J. , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , van den Biggelaar Frank J. H. M. , Gijs Marlies , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , Wolffs Petra F. G. , Dickman Mor M. 
Published: August 2022

Objective:
To assess the effect of commonly used contact lens disinfectants against severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Methods:
The efficacy of five disinfectant solutions against SARS-CoV-2 was tested in the presence and absence of contact lenses (CLs). Three types of unused CLs (hard gas permeable, soft hydrogel, and soft silicone hydrogel) and worn silicone hydrogel CLs were tested. Contact lenses were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and disinfected at various times, with and without rubbing and rinsing, as per manufacturer's instructions. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and viability polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were applied to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA and viral infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, respectively.

Results:
In the presence of SARS-CoV-2–infected CLs, no SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be detected when disinfectant solutions were used according to the manufacturer's instructions. When SARS-Co-V2–infected CLs were disinfected without the rub-and-rinse step, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected at almost each time interval with each disinfecting solution tested for both new and worn CLs. In the absence of CLs, viable SARS-CoV-2 was detected with all disinfectant solutions except Menicon Progent at all time points.

Conclusions:
Disinfectant solutions effectively disinfect CLs from SARS-CoV-2 if manufacturer's instructions are followed. The rub-and-rinse regimen is mainly responsible for disinfection. The viability PCR may be useful to indicate potential infectiousness.
Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem for Terrien Marginal Degeneration: A Case Series
Authors: Wong Bryan M. , Trinh Tanya , Garg Anubhav , Mimouni Michael , Ramdass Stephanie , Liao Jennifer , Chandrakumar Manokaraananthan , Slomovic Allan R. , Chan Clara C. 
Published: August 2022

Objectives:
To assess outcomes of the Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) treatment in patients with advanced Terrien marginal degeneration (TMD).

Methods:
This is a retrospective case series of patients with advanced TMD who were assessed and fit with customized PROSE lenses. Data were collected on PROSE fitting details including visual acuity (VA) before and after PROSE, slit-lamp findings, and corneal tomography scans.

Results:
Six eyes in four patients were included. All patients attempted at least one other contact lens (CL) modality before PROSE. Some patients had corneal comorbidities such as pseudopterygium and pseudobleb that contributed to intolerance to previous lenses and warranted extra considerations in the fitting process. With PROSE, VA improved in all six eyes. Patients with structural corneal comorbidities achieved improved vision, comfort, and lens tolerance with PROSE. Two eyes had noncorneal ocular comorbidities that limited PROSE efficacy. Another eye discontinued PROSE wear because of limbal stem-cell disease progression necessitating a limbal stem-cell transplant.

Conclusions:
PROSE treatment can be an effective option to improve vision and comfort for patients with advanced TMD who are intolerant to first-line therapeutic CL modalities, even in the presence of other corneal comorbidities.
Frequency and Severity of Hypothyroidism During TKI Therapy in the Pediatric and Young Adult Population
Authors: Segev Natalie , Arora Shruthi , Khoury Jane , Yayah Jones Nana-Hawa , Chuang Janet 
Published: August 2022

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR-TKI] are a class of targeted therapies approved for treatment of several malignancies and are increasingly used in the pediatric population. Development of hypothyroidism during VEGFR-TKI therapy is well described in adults; however, there are no available data in children. Importantly, hypothyroidism during childhood can negatively impact growth and neurodevelopment. This retrospective study is the first to document frequency and severity of VEGFR-TKI induced hypothyroidism in pediatric and young adult patients. Patients included were ≤25 years of age and treated with at least one VEGFR-TKI between 2010 and 2018 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. After review of clinical and demographic data, 69 patients were identified. Of these, 19 (27.5%) developed thyroid dysfunction defined as Thyroid-stimulating hormone≥5 mIU/mL during therapy. Twelve of those patients had overt hypothyroidism with documentation of low free thyroxine and/or levothyroxine initiation. Mean exposure time to VEGFR-TKI before thyroid dysfunction was 2.8 (0.5-10.4) months. These results suggest moderate risk of developing thyroid dysfunction during VEGFR-TKI therapy in pediatric and young adult patients. Baseline thyroid hormone screening should be performed and repeated frequently during the first year of therapy in the pediatric population.