bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of SLA-DRB1 genetic diversity in Colombian (creoles and commercial line) and worldwide swine populations
Authors: Celis-Giraldo Carmen Teresa , Bohórquez Michel David , Camargo Milena , Suárez Carlos Fernando , Camargo Anny , Rodríguez-Obediente Kewin , Martínez Alejandra , Lucero Carlos Edmundo , Hernández Byron , Manzano-Román Raúl , Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAnalysing pig class II mayor histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is mainly related to antigen presentation. Identifying frequently-occurring alleles in pig populations is an important aspect to be considered when developing peptide-based vaccines. Colombian creole pig populations have had to adapt to local conditions since entering Colombia; a recent census has shown low amounts of pigs which is why they are considered protected by the Colombian government. Commercial hybrids are more attractive regarding production. This research has been aimed at describing the allele distribution of Colombian pigs from diverse genetic backgrounds and comparing ColombianSLA-DRB1locus diversity to that of internationally reported populations. TwentySLA-DRB1alleles were identified in the six populations analysed here using sequence-based typing. The amount of alleles ranged from six (Manta and Casco Mula) to nine (San Pedreño). Only one allele (01:02) having > 5% frequency was shared by all three commercial line populations. Allele 02:01:01 was shared by five populations (around > 5% frequency). Global FSTindicated that pig populations were clearly structured, as 20.6% of total allele frequency variation was explained by differences between populations (FST = 0.206). This study’s results confirmed that the greatest diversity occurred in wild boars, thereby contrasting with low diversity in domestic pig populations.
Mild catalytic defects of tert rs61748181 polymorphism affect the clinical presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Xu Jialin , de Oliveira Diego Madureira , Trudeau Matthew A. , Yang Yang , Chin Jessica J. Y. , Sin Don D. , Sandford Andrew J. , Wong Judy M. Y. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disorder of accelerated lung aging. Multiple pieces of evidence support that the aging biomarker short telomeres, which can be caused by mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), contribute to COPD pathogenesis. We hypothesized that short telomere risk-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TERT, while not able to drive COPD development, nonetheless modify the disease presentation. We set out to test the SNP carrying status in a longitudinal study of smokers with COPD and found that rapid decline of FEV1 in lung function was associated with the minor allele of rs61748181 (adjusted odds ratio 2.49, p = 0.038). Biochemical evaluation of ex vivo engineered human cell models revealed that primary cells expressing the minor allele of rs61748181 had suboptimal telomere length maintenance due to reduced telomerase catalytic activity, despite having comparable cell growth kinetics as WT-TERT expressing cells. This ex vivo observation translated clinically in that shorter telomeres were found in minor allele carriers in a sub-population of COPD patients with non-declining lung function, over the 5-year period of the longitudinal study. Collectively, our data suggest that functional TERT SNPs with mild catalytic defects are nonetheless implicated in the clinical presentation of COPD.
Skewness of X-chromosome inactivation increases with age and varies across birth cohorts in elderly Danish women
Authors: Mengel-From Jonas , Lindahl-Jacobsen Rune , Nygaard Marianne , Soerensen Mette , Ørstavik Karen Helene , Hertz Jens Michael , Andersen-Ranberg Karen , Tan Qihua , Christensen Kaare 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMosaicism in blood varies with age, and cross-sectional studies indicate that for women, skewness of X-chromosomal mosaicism increases with age. This pattern could, however, also be due to less X-inactivation in more recent birth cohorts. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation was here measured longitudinally by the HUMARA assay in 67 septuagenarian and octogenarian women assessed at 2 time points, 10 years apart, and in 10 centenarian women assessed at 2 time points, 2–7 years apart. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation was also compared in 293 age-matched septuagenarian twins born in 1917–1923 and 1931–1937, and 212 centenarians born in 1895, 1905 and 1915. The longitudinal study of septuagenarians and octogenarians revealed that 16% (95% CI 7–29%) of the women developed skewed X-inactivation over a 10-year period. In the cross-sectional across-birth cohort study, the earlier-born septuagenarian (1917–1923) and centenarian women (1895) had a higher degree of skewness than the respective recent age-matched birth cohorts, which indicates that the women in the more recent cohorts, after the age of 70, had not only changed degree of skewness with age, they had also undergone less age-related hematopoietic sub-clone expansion. This may be a result of improved living conditions and better medical treatment in the more recent birth cohorts.
In silico detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific B-cell epitopes and validation in ELISA for serological diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Phan Isabelle Q. , Subramanian Sandhya , Kim David , Murphy Michael , Pettie Deleah , Carter Lauren , Anishchenko Ivan , Barrett Lynn K. , Craig Justin , Tillery Logan , Shek Roger , Harrington Whitney E. , Koelle David M. , Wald Anna , Veesler David , King Neil , Boonyaratanakornkit Jim , Isoherranen Nina , Greninger Alexander L. , Jerome Keith R. , Chu Helen , Staker Bart , Stewart Lance , Myler Peter J. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRapid generation of diagnostics is paramount to understand epidemiology and to control the spread of emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Computational methods to predict serodiagnostic epitopes that are specific for the pathogen could help accelerate the development of new diagnostics. A systematic survey of 27 SARS-CoV-2 proteins was conducted to assess whether existing B-cell epitope prediction methods, combined with comprehensive mining of sequence databases and structural data, could predict whether a particular protein would be suitable for serodiagnosis. Nine of the predictions were validated with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the ELISA format using plasma and sera from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and a further 11 predictions were compared to the recent literature. Results appeared to be in agreement with 12 of the predictions, in disagreement with 3, while a further 5 were deemed inconclusive. We showed that two of our top five candidates, the N-terminal fragment of the nucleoprotein and the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein, have the highest sensitivity and specificity and signal-to-noise ratio for detecting COVID-19 sera/plasma by ELISA. Mixing the two antigens together for coating ELISA plates led to a sensitivity of 94% (N = 80 samples from persons with RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection), and a specificity of 97.2% (N = 106 control samples).
Allelopathic effect of Artemisia argyi on the germination and growth of various weeds
Authors: Li Jinxin , Chen Le , Chen Qiaohuan , Miao Yuhuan , Peng Zheng , Huang Bisheng , Guo Lanping , Liu Dahui , Du Hongzhi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAllelopathy means that one plant produces chemical substances to affect the growth and development of other plants. Usually, allelochemicals can stimulate or inhibit the germination and growth of plants, which have been considered as potential strategy for drug development of environmentally friendly biological herbicides. Obviously, the discovery of plant materials with extensive sources, low cost and markedly allelopathic effect will have far-reaching ecological impacts as the biological herbicide. At present, a large number of researches have already reported that certain plant-derived allelochemicals can inhibit weed growth. In this study, the allelopathic effect of Artemisia argyi was investigated via a series of laboratory experiments and field trial. Firstly, water-soluble extracts exhibited the strongest allelopathic inhibitory effects on various plants under incubator conditions, after the different extracts authenticated by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Then, the allelopathic effect of the A. argyi was systematacially evaluated on the seed germination and growth of Brassica pekinensis, Lactuca sativa, Oryza sativa, Portulaca oleracea, Oxalis corniculata and Setaria viridis in pot experiments, it suggested that the A. argyi could inhibit both dicotyledons and monocotyledons not only by seed germination but also by seedling growth. Furthermore, field trial showed that the A. argyi significantly inhibited the growth of weeds in Chrysanthemum morifolium field with no adverse effect on the growth of C. morifolium. At last, RNA-Seq analysis and key gene detection analysis indicated that A.argyi inhibited the germination and growth of weed via multi-targets and multi-paths while the inhibiting of chlorophyll synthesis of target plants was one of the key mechanisms. In summary, the A. argyi was confirmed as a potential raw material for the development of preventive herbicides against various weeds in this research. Importantly, this discovery maybe provide scientific evidence for the research and development of environmentally friendly herbicides in the future.
The pelvic flexure separates distinct microbial communities in the equine hindgut
Authors: Reed Kailee J. , Kunz Isabelle G. Z. , Scare Jessica A. , Nielsen Martin K. , Turk Philip J. , Coleman Robert J. , Coleman Stephen J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs hindgut fermenters, horses are especially dependent on the microbiota residing in their cecum and large intestines. Interactions between these microbial populations and the horse are critical for maintaining gut homeostasis, which supports proper digestion. The current project was motivated to determine if any features of the fecal microbiota are informative of the microbial communities from the cecum, ventral colon, or dorsal colon. Digesta from the cecum, ventral colon, dorsal colon and feces were collected from 6 yearling miniature horses. Microbial DNA was isolated and the microbiota from each sample was characterized by profiling the V4 region of the 16S rRNA. Principal coordinate analysis of the beta diversity results revealed significant (p = 0.0001; F = 5.2393) similarities between the microbial populations from cecal and ventral colon and the dorsal colon and fecal samples, however, there was little overlap between the proximal and distal ends of the hindgut. These distinct population structures observed in our results coincide with the pelvic flexure, which itself separates intestinal compartments with distinct roles in digestive physiology. An indicator species analysis confirmed the population differences, supported by the identification of several microbial families characteristic of the compartments upstream of the pelvic flexure that were not represented following it. Our data suggest that the fecal microbiota is not informative of the proximal hindgut but can provide insight into communities of the distal compartments. Further, our results suggest that the pelvic flexure might be an important anatomical landmark relative to the microbial communities in the equine large intestine.
Lysosome repositioning as an autophagy escape mechanism by Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing strain
Authors: Laopanupong Thanida , Prombutara Pinidphon , Kanjanasirirat Phongthon , Benjaskulluecha Salisa , Boonmee Atsadang , Palaga Tanapat , Méresse Stephane , Paha Jiraporn , Siregar Tegar Adriansyah Putra , Khumpanied Tanawadee , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Chaiprasert Angkana , Utaisincharoen Pongsak , Ponpuak Marisa 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInduction of host cell autophagy by starvation was shown to enhance lysosomal delivery to mycobacterial phagosomes, resulting in the restriction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis reference strain H37Rv. Our previous study showed that strains belonging to M. tuberculosis Beijing genotype resisted starvation-induced autophagic elimination but the factors involved remained unclear. Here, we conducted RNA-Seq of macrophages infected with the autophagy-resistant Beijing strain (BJN) compared to macrophages infected with H37Rv upon autophagy induction by starvation. Results identified several genes uniquely upregulated in BJN-infected macrophages but not in H37Rv-infected cells, including those encoding Kxd1 and Plekhm2, which function in lysosome positioning towards the cell periphery. Unlike H37Rv, BJN suppressed enhanced lysosome positioning towards the perinuclear region and lysosomal delivery to its phagosome upon autophagy induction by starvation, while depletion of Kxd1 and Plekhm2 reverted such effects, resulting in restriction of BJN intracellular survival upon autophagy induction by starvation. Taken together, these data indicated that Kxd1 and Plekhm2 are important for the BJN strain to suppress lysosome positioning towards the perinuclear region and lysosomal delivery into its phagosome during autophagy induction by starvation to evade starvation-induced autophagic restriction.
Increasing ENSO–rainfall variability due to changes in future tropical temperature–rainfall relationship
Authors: Yun Kyung-Sook , Lee June-Yi , Timmermann Axel , Stein Karl , Stuecker Malte F. , Fyfe John C. , Chung Eui-Seok 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntensification of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-rainfall variability in response to global warming is a robust feature across Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) iterations, regardless of a lack of robust projected changes in ENSO-sea-surface temperature (SST) variability. Previous studies attributed this intensification to an increase in mean SST and moisture convergence over the central-to-eastern Pacific, without explicitly considering underlying nonlinear SST–rainfall relationship changes. Here, by analyzing changes of the tropical SST–rainfall relationship of CMIP6 models, we present a mechanism linking the mean SST rise to amplifying ENSO–rainfall variability. We show that the slope of the SST–rainfall function over Niño3 region becomes steeper in a warmer climate, ~42.1% increase in 2050–2099 relative to 1950–1999, due to the increase in Clausius–Clapeyron-driven moisture sensitivity, ~16.2%, and dynamic contributions, ~25.9%. A theoretical reconstruction of ENSO–rainfall variability further supports this mechanism. Our results imply ENSO’s hydrological impacts increase nonlinearly in response to global warming.
Five candidate biomarkers associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer
Authors: Han Hong-Yan , Mou Jiang-Tao , Jiang Wen-Ping , Zhai Xiu-Ming , Deng Kun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most general gynecological malignancies and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to select candidate genes related to the diagnosis and prognosis of CC.
Methods: The mRNA expression profile datasets were downloaded. We also downloaded RNA-sequencing gene expression data and related clinical materials from TCGA, which included 307 CC samples and 3 normal samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by R software. GO function analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were performed in the DAVID dataset. Using machine learning, the optimal diagnostic mRNA biomarkers for CC were identified. We used qRT-PCR and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database to exhibit the differences in gene and protein levels of candidate genes.
Results: A total of 313 DEGs were screened from the microarray expression profile datasets. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), Chromatin Assembly Factor 1, subunit B (CHAF1B), Chromatin Assembly Factor 1, subunit A (CHAF1A), MCM2, CDKN2A were identified as optimal diagnostic mRNA biomarkers for CC. Additionally, the GEPIA database showed that the DNMT1, CHAF1B, CHAF1A, MCM2 and CDKN2A were associated with the poor survival of CC patients. HPA database and qRT-PCR confirmed that these genes were highly expressed in CC tissues.
Conclusion: The present study identified five DEmRNAs, including DNMT1, CHAF1B, CHAF1A, MCM2 and Kinetochore-related protein 1 (KNTC1), as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of CC.
Defining Maritime 4.0: Reconciling principles, elements and characteristics to support maritime vessel digitalisation
Authors: Sullivan Brendan P. , Arias Nava Elias , Desai Shantanoo , Sole Jordi , Rossi Monica , Ramundo Lucia , Terzi Sergio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs complex systems, maritime vessels generate and require the utilization of large amounts of data for maximum efficiency. Designing, developing, and deploying these systems in a digital world requires rethinking how people interact and utilize technology throughout all areas of the industry. With growing interests in Industry 4.0, there are broad opportunities for the incorporation and development of new digital solutions that will support the improvement and optimization of next generation systems. However, while different technologies have been deployed with various levels of success the current challenge is not generating data but being able to harmoniously integrate different data streams into the decision‐making process. To support the development of next generation vessels, a comprehensive understanding of Maritime 4.0 is necessary. Current conceptions of 4.0 within the industry remain ambiguous and based on our research, have demonstrated a divergence in the levels of technological maturity and digital solutions in different industry sectors. This study leverages current state‐of‐the‐art literature and a series of interviews to formulate a descriptive definition of Maritime 4.0 that incorporates technologies that can be integrated to support decision‐making. Through a rigorous, empirically grounded, and contextually relevant approach, the contribution of this study is the establishment of an organized set of technologies and characteristics related to 4.0 and establishment of a practical definition.
An interdisciplinary framework to define strategies for digitalization and sustainability: Proposal of a ‘digicircular’ model
Authors: De Felice Fabio , Petrillo Antonella 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe criteria of economic, social, and environmental sustainability defined by the United Nations and consolidated in Agenda 2030 must become a ‘lighthouse’ to promote the use of digital technologies as an essential tool for sustainable development. Thus, the role of decision makers must therefore be oriented to promote technological development towards a sustainable world. However, any technological innovation, even the best, can give negative effects if not applied with a perspective on sustainability. This is increasingly evident with the growth of globalization. Thus, the aim of the present research is to identify challenges to achieve Circular Economy and Bioeconomy in a digital era and to define a blueprint for a ‘digicircular’ transformation. An integrated and interdisciplinary framework is proposed to prioritize digital capabilities which are hindering the digicircular economy implementation. An interdisciplinary and multicriteria tool to enable a digicircular model is developed. Bloomberg's environmental and Corporate Knights Global Sustainability Score which use private and public information from companies served for define the research model.
A semi‐numerical method to assess start and synchronization performance of a line‐start permanent magnet synchronous motor equipped with hybrid rotor
Authors: Yan Bo , Yang Yubo , Wang Xiuhe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe torque‐slip characteristic curve (TSCC) applicable to quantitative assessment on the starting and synchronizing performance of a line‐start permanent magnet synchronous motor (LSPMSM) equipped with a hybrid rotor is determined herein. The TSCC determination starts with separating the hybrid‐rotor LSPMSM into an induction motor and a permanent magnet (PM) motor in which the former dominates part of the TSCC and the latter governs the rest. Then, the electromagnetic torques of the two subsidiary motors are calculated by means of a two‐dimensional (2‐D) semi‐numerical technique combining the subdomain method and the finite difference method (FDM). Finally, the TSCC of the hybrid‐rotor LSPMSM is acquired through adding the average components of the calculated electromagnetic torques of the subsidiary motors. Accuracy of the obtained TSCC is validated by results from the finite‐element analysis (FEA) and prototype test.
Operation of Hebbian least mean square controlled distributed static compensator
Authors: Mangaraj Mrutyunjaya 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe motivation of this paper is to introduce a new Hebbian least mean square control algorithm for two level self‐supported voltage source converter based distributed static compensator. The Hebbian least mean square controller is employed on the various aspects such as, weight updating, direct and quadrature unit voltage template, active and reactive part of reference supply currents and switching signal generation. Firstly, a set up equations using Hebbian least mean square are premeditated to compute both active and reactive weight updating. Secondly, DC and AC proportional integral controller outputs are involved with the updating weight to generate the reference supply current. The error signal obtained from both reference and actual source current is processed through the hysteresis current controller for the gate signal firing. The MATLAB/Simulink results as well as experimental results prove that the proposed algorithm is competent to afford the better voltage regulation, voltage balancing, source current harmonic reduction and power factor correction. Finally, performance obtained from the proposed controller reveals the applicability for various loading condition in the distribution grid.
A dual polarised universal reader for frequency domain‐based chipless RFID tags and sensors
Authors: Islam Md Aminul , Karmakar Nemai C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA dual‐polarised (DP) universal reader architecture is presented herein for detecting all types of frequency domain‐based chipless RFID tags and sensors. The proposed reader reads the frequency domain‐based tag and sensor data in both horizontal and vertical polarisations. At first, a commercially suitable low‐profile, low‐cost, wideband 2×2 DP aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna (ACMPA) array with high port‐to‐port isolation is developed and verified for tag measurement. Then, effects of different parameters on DP ACMPA are studied, which are used next for developing a novel step‐by‐step design guideline for DP ACMPA with new set of specifications. After that, a universal DP reader is proposed using the developed DP ACMPA, which is followed by a detail implementation procedure. This reader design using a single VCO is not only very low‐cost, but also needless to use any calibration tag. It is fully capable of reading tags and sensors which require measurement in both polarisations. This DP reader is also capable of reading linearly polarised, orientation insensitive and cross‐polarised frequency domain‐based tags and sensors. Therefore, the proposed universal DP reader can be used commercially for reading all types of frequency domain‐based chipless RFID tags and sensors.