bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid allele-specific ChIP-Seq analysis links variation in transcription factor binding to traits in maize
Authors: Hartwig Thomas , Banf Michael , Prietsch Gisele , Engelhorn Julia , Yang Jinliang , Wang Zhi-Yong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Variation in transcriptional regulation is a major cause of phenotypic diversity. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown that most functional variants reside in non-coding regions, where they potentially affect transcription factor (TF) binding and chromatin accessibility to alter gene expression. Pinpointing such regulatory variations, however, remains challenging. Here, we developed a hybrid allele-specific chromatin binding sequencing (HASCh-seq) approach and identified variations in target binding of the brassinosteroid (BR) responsive transcription factor ZmBZR1 in maize. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) in B73xMo17 F1s identified thousands of target genes of ZmBZR1. Allele-specific ZmBZR1 binding (ASB) was observed for about 14.3% of target genes. It correlated with over 550 loci containing sequence variation in BZR1-binding motifs and over 340 loci with haplotype-specific DNA methylation, linking genetic and epigenetic variations to ZmBZR1 occupancy. Comparison with GWAS data linked hundreds of ASB loci to important yield, growth, and disease-related traits. Our study provides a robust method for analyzing genome-wide variations of transcription factor occupancy and identified genetic and epigenetic variations of the BR response transcription network in maize.
Weight Gains and Economy of Production of Weaner Pigs Fed Diets Containing Fermented Mixture of Cassava Root Pulp and Palm Kernel Cake as Replacement for Maize
Authors: Aladi Nnanyere Okwunna , Ukosa Sylvester Marro , Ogbuewu Ifeanyi Prince , Okoli Ifeanyi Charles , Okeudo Ndukwe James 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The need to improve the nutritive value of feed materials containing high levels of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) such as lignin, cellulose, mannan among others for monogastric feeding has led to interest in solid state fermentation (SSF) in recent years. In this study, the efficacy of SSF to improve nutritive value of mixture of grated cassava roots and palm kernel cake for pig feeding was evaluated using 40 unsexed crossbred (Large White X Nigerian Indigenous) weaner pigs. The pigs were randomly allotted to five treatment groups and fed experimental diets in which the maize in the control diet was partially (50%) or completely replaced with either solid state fermented mixture of grated cassava root and palm kernel cake (FEMCARPP) or a 1:1 blend of cassava meal and palm kernel cake (CSM-PKC). Data was collected weekly on the live-weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, and efficiency of protein utilization. The pigs on dietary FEMCARPP consumed significantly (p < 0.05) less feed but had superior weight gain and similar feed conversion ratio when compared to the control pigs fed maize based diets. In addition, pigs fed dietary CSM-PKC consumed significantly (p < 0.05) more feed and were less efficient in utilizing their feed. It is therefore concluded that solid state fermentation improved the nutritive value of mixture of grated cassava roots and palm kernel cake for swine feeding. Further research is however needed to extend the study to growing-finisher phase and to understand the physiological mechanism of the improved performance of the piglets on dietary FERMCAPP.
Super-Resolution Optical Microscopy for Investigations of Defects in Semiconductor Device
Authors: Yadav Nagendra Prasad , Hu Guozhen , Yao Zhengpeng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Ripples scattering of sidewall in pattern devices is efficient and necessary for monitoring the semiconductor fabrication process. As a step towards improving the imaging quality in terms of scattering, an attempt has been made to use our recently reported method called Parametric Indirect Microscopic Imaging (PIMI) for the thin layer of pattern devices. The present study demonstrates that the resolving power of PIMI imaging for the sidewall of the pattern devices is better than that of the conventional microscopy techniques. The better resolving power of the present PIMI technique for imaging the sidewalls paves the (new) way for its industrial application for the inspection of the integrated semiconductor circuits. For the demonstration, PIMI images have been compared with AFM, which are very close agreement.
Evaluation of DNA integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential in catfish Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum, induced by exposure to different concentrations of ibuprofen
Authors: Ríos Sara E. Gallego , Peñuela Gustavo A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
There are few studies to date that determine the effects of ibuprofen on mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) and DNA integrity in neotropical fish. The objective of this study is to determine if four months’ exposure to ibuprofen in different concentrations (25 and 50 µg/L) produces effects on ΔΨM and alters the integrity of DNA in striped catfish Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum. For this study, the fish were placed in tanks with water at constant concentrations of 0 (control), 25, and 50 µg/L of ibuprofen for four months. Subsequently, blood samples were taken for analysis of ΔΨM and DNA integrity, using a flow cytometer LSRFortessa BD Biosciences. After four months of exposure to ibuprofen at different concentrations, the results showed no increase in Low ΔΨM, indicating that there are no alterations in the mitochondrial membrane potential. On the other hand, the percentages of DNA damage were below 0.39, which indicates that there were no alterations in DNA integrity. It is possible that under the conditions in which this study was conducted (ibuprofen levels, exposure time), they are not sufficient to demonstrate the effects caused by this drug. Higher ibuprofen levels and/or longer exposures may be required to determine alteration in ΔΨM and DNA integrity. Flow cytometric analysis for these types of samples is a fast, specific, and reliable technique, compared to traditional methods.
Salivary pH changes under the effect of stainless steel versus elastomeric ligatures in fixed orthodontic patients: A single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Al-Haifi Hend A. , Ishaq Ramy A. , Al-Hammadi Maged S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundFluctuations in pH of saliva during a prolonged treatment course influences the enamel demineralization progress, which is one of the complications of fixed orthodontic treatment. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate and compare the short-term effect of stainless steel (SS) versus elastomeric (EM) ligatures on salivary pH in patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment.MethodsSeventy participants were enrolled in the study (54 females, 16 males) aged 19–36 who met specific inclusion criteria. They were randomly selected and allocated into two equal groups through a computer-generated randomization. All patients received fixed orthodontic treatment using conventional brackets. Two commonly used archwire ligature methods were used: stainless steel and elastomeric modules. An unstimulated (resting) salivary sample was collected before tying of the ligatures at T0 (baseline), 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Salivary pH was measured using a digital pH meter. The level of significance was set at p value < 0.05.ResultsThe salivary pH level was stable between T0 and T1 (6.72 ± 0.14), then significantly and progressively increased from T1 to T2 (6.78 ± 0.13) and from T2 to T3 (6.81 ± 0.14) with (P < 0.05) in the SS group. In the EM group, the salivary pH level was significantly decreased in all follow-up periods; T0 (6.77 ± 0.16), T1 (6.72 ± 0.14), T2 (6.67 ± 0.13) and T3 (6.64 ± 0.13).ConclusionEM ligature showed a significant decrease in salivary pH to an unfavorable level, which increased the risk of enamel demineralization. Therefore, EM as ligature material is not recommended in patients with high caries index or inadequate oral hygiene.Trial RegistrationANZCTR.org. (ACTRN12618001647224). Registration Date: 5/10/2018, “Retrospectively registered”
A Study of Human Attitude, Persuasion And Ethics Towards The Adoptation Of Sustainable Technology Among Malaysian SMEs
Authors: Chatrath Sarvjeet Kaur , TALUKDER MAJHARUL , BAKR FAUZAN ABU , QUAZI ALI 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This research investigates the impact of human attitudes, human persuasion and human ethics towards the adoption of sustainable technology among the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. There is a lacuna in the literature of the focusing on the human factors (attitudes, persuasions and ethical belief) of adoption of sustainable technology in the SMEs context in emerging economy such as Malaysia. The study develops a comprehensive model of sustainable technology adoption considering the strengths and limitations of the existing models. The main theories utilized this paper include the theory of reasoned action (TRA), theory of planned behavior (TPB), attribution theory (AT), environmental attitudes model and the triple bottom line model. The theoretical framework developed for this study is based on the premise of the above theories. A total of 234 sample taken from 2369 SMEs in Malaysia. The major finding of this research suggest that affective attitudes, cognitive attitudes, reasoned persuasion, sentimental persuasion, anthropocentrism and altruism significantly impact adoption mechanism of sustainable technology in a Malaysian setting. These findings are later highlighted in this paper. The implications, limitations and future research avenue are highlighted in the paper.
Exercise Capacity is Improved by Levosimendan in Heart Failure and Sarcopenia Mice via the Alleviation of Atrophy and Apoptosis of Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Wang Di , Song Ming , Shen Long-fei , Han Lu , Zhu Ping , Jia Xu , Shang Guo-kai , Cao Yuan , Zhang Wei , Zhong Ming , Wang Zhi-hao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background Sarcopenia, a common complication of heart failure (HF), dramatically reduces the benefits of exercise training. Levosimendan is an effective drug for the treatment of heart failure, but its relationship with sarcopenia is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of levosimendan on heart failure with sarcopenia and to explore whether levosimendan can enhance skeletal muscle contractibility, improve skeletal muscle atrophy, and thus improve exercise tolerance of individuals with heart failure.Methods C57BL6/J mice were used to establish the heart failure with sarcopenia model by ligating of the left anterior descending branch combined with hindlimb unloading and were injected of levosimendan (3mg/Kg, once a week, four times in total). Mice (n=40) were divided into control group, sham operation group, HF group, HF + solvent group, HF + levosimendan group, HF + sarcopenia group, HF + sarcopenia + solvent group, HF+ sarcopenia + levosimendan group. After the treatment, exercise capacity and cardiac function were evaluated. Serum BNP, LDH, and CK content were measured. Muscle morphology, fiber type, inflammation level, and apoptosis levels were detected by histopathological and molecular biological methods. Mitochondrial function and oxidative stress level were assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential and SOD activity.Result Levosimendan could improve EF and FS in mice with HF and sarcopenia (P<0.001) and increase their forelimb grip strength, hanging impulse, maximum running distance and time (P<0.05). After correcting for EF, the improvement of exercise capacity by levosimendan remained (P<0.05). HE staining showed that levosimendan directly increased the CSA of gastrocnemius in mice with HF and sarcopenia (P<0.001). After levosimendan injection, the proportion of slow muscle fibers increased, but this improvement of muscle fiber typing might be attributed to improved cardiac function (P>0.05). Levosimendan also maintained mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, Bax expression, and increased Bcl2 expression (P<0.05). This effect is independent of improved cardiac function. IL-6, TNF-α expression decreased and SOD activity, GSH/GSSG ratio significantly increased (P<0.05) in skeletal muscle after injection of levosimendan, improved oxidative stress level. The improvement in oxidative stress level was attributed to improved cardiac function (P>0.05).Conclusion Levosimendan reduce the loss of skeletal muscle mitochondrial membrane potential, decrease the apoptosis, alleviate the inflammation and oxidative stress, and ultimately improve the exercise capacity of mice with heart failure and sarcopenia. Therefore, levosimendan may be a potential drug for the treatment of heart failure with sarcopenia.
Reconfigurable 2×1 CPW-Fed Rectangular Slot Antenna Array (RSAA) Based on Graphene For Wireless Communications
Authors: Elsheakh Dalia , Dardeer Osama 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This article presents a 2×1 CPW ultra wideband rectangular slot antenna array (UWB-RSAA) with modified circular slot shape to support high data rate for wireless communications applications. The proposed antenna array dimensions are 0.7λo×0.8λo×0.064λo at the resonant frequency 1.8 GHz and it is fabricated on a commercially available rogers RO4003 substrate (with εr = 3.5), which is fed by using coplanar waveguide (CPW). A graphene layer is added on the other side of the substrate to achieve frequency reconfigurable and improve the antenna array gain. The -10 dB impedance bandwidth of the RSAA extends from 1.7 GHz to 2.6 GHz, from 3.2 to 3.8 GHz and from 5.2 GHz to 7 GHz with peak gain of 7.5 dBi at 6.5 GHz at 0 Volt bias over the operating band with average gain of 4.5 dBi. When the graphene bias is increased to 20 Volt, the antenna bandwidth extend from 1 GHz to 4 GHz and from 5 to 7 GHz with array peak gain 14 dBi at 3.5 GHz and average gain 7.5 dBi. The proposed array achieved linear polarized behaviour over the operating bands to be suitable for short range UWB wireless communications and object detection. All simulation carried out using 3D high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) Ansys ver. 15.
GpNet: Genomic Prediction Network Using Locally Connected Layers in Korean Native Cattle
Authors: Lee Hyo-Jun , Seo Dong Won , Chung Yoonji , Lee Doo Ho , Kim Yeung Kuk , Lee Jun Heon , Lee Hak Kyo , Gondro Cedric , Kim Young-Kuk , Koh Yeong Jun , Lee Seung Hwan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The use of DNA marker information for the prediction of genetic merit in animal and plant breeding, and susceptibility to disease in human medicine has become widespread. Therefore, an increasing number of methods have been proposed for more accurate and efficient genomic prediction. However, most of the commonly used models for genomic prediction only account for additive effects since most of them are designed based on the linear model. Results: Here, we proposed a GpNet, a deep learning network for genomic prediction in Korean beef cattle. With a locally connected layer, GpNet can estimate LD-block effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with adjacent two or more SNPs closer to 3’-end. This operation is quite similar to how the DNA sequence is used in the translation process in which the RNA polymerase interprets DNA sequence by units of codons to downstream (3’ to 5’). GpNet archived a superior performance than previous state-of-arts methods for beef carcass weight with a predictive ability of 0.721%. GpNet also found two significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on the regions (bta 6:38464203–39816133, bta 14:25307116–29987025) for carcass weight. However, GpNet showed less performance than linear methods in backfat thickness and eye-muscle area.Conclusions: GpNet outperformed the previous state-of-arts methods for beef carcass weight. However, GpNet cannot achieve superior performance in backfat thickness and eye-muscle area. We noticed that the lack of ability to estimate distant epistasis and dominance was the weakness of GpNet. Therefore, it remains a future research issue to expand GpNet to resolve these flaws and this further study will accelerate the new phase of the genomic prediction.
One Pot Bio-Synthesis of Palladium Nanoneedles and Its Bioavailability
Authors: Kulal Dnyaneshwar K. , Pansare Shubham V. , Shedge Amol A. , Khairkkar Shhyam , Chhatre Shraddha Y. , Sheikh Mohmad Vasim , Patil Vishwanath R. , Pansare Amol V. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Bioinorganic chemistry has achieved great importance by considering environmental and health issues. Here we present anticancer, antioxidant, good protein quencher single pot biosynthesized one dimensional palladium Nanoneedles (PdNNs) as a negative catalyst, where water plays a role of safer solvent. Needle-shaped one-dimensional PdNNs was synthesized using filamentous fungal stain of Aspergillus oryzae (biomass) was successively applied as a suppressant for the growth of human breast, colon and leukemia cancer Cell Lines. Quenching process of bovine serum albumin by PdNNs was spontaneous with hydrogen bonding and hydrophilic interaction. Interaction of protein and PdNNs showed binding constant in the range of 104 M-1 and one binding site. Forster's resonance energy transfer (FRET) theory applied to find out distance between the interaction of PdNNs and protein, where critical distance and energy transfer distance varies with change in concentrations of PdNNs 4.84 x 10−6 M to 9.69 x 10-7 M from 2.9 to 3.7 nm and 3.2 to 5.4 nm respectively. Radical scavenging method was applied to find out an antioxidant activity which of nanoneedles. Needle-shaped palladium nanoparticles and particle size found to be ̴ 3.0 nm using high-resolution transmission electron microscopes.
Low Incidence of Structural Valve Degeneration With the Trifecta Aortic Valve Bioprosthesis.
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Bhuvaneswari , Critchley William R , Devan Nehru , Barnard James , Kadir Issac , Grant Stuart W , Venkateswaran Rajamiyer V 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objectives: An ideal bioprosthetic heart valve would have excellent haemodynamic performance and a low rate of Structural Valve Degeneration (SVD). The objective of this study was to investigate the haemodynamic performance and incidence of reintervention due to SVD of the Trifecta aortic valve.Methods:Between 2012 to 2019, 2934 valve surgeries were performed in which 2185 were biological valves. Out of 2185 patients, only 399 patients had undergone Trifecta biological Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR). Three surgeons performed all aortic Trifecta valve surgeries. Operative mortality, incidence of reintervention and overall survival figures was calculated. Results: A total of 399 patients were included of which 260 (65.2%) were male. The mean (± SD) age was 73.4 ± 8.0 with 41 patients (10.3%) aged under 65 with 222 patients (55.6%) had isolated AVR and 176 (44.1%) had AVR combined with coronary artery bypass grafting and a single patient underwent aortic and mitral valve replacement. The mean (±SD) logistic EuroSCORE was 7.4 (±2.7). The median valve size used was 23mm. A total of 21 patients (5.3%) required a permanent pacemaker to be implanted. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.8% (n=11). The rate of structural valve degeneration was 0.3% and median follow-up was 782 days. Neither peak nor mean valve gradients were significantly different between year 1 vs. year 3 (peak gradient: 18.3±8.0 vs. 17.1±8.5, p=0.34; mean gradient: 9.8±4.6 vs. 8.7±4.6, p=0.16). Conclusions: Mid-term echocardiographic data showed a low rate of significant regurgitation and excellent gradients. Larger multicentre studies are required to validate these findings.
A Study on the Expression of mRNAs and lncRNAs in Keloid Fibroblasts Based on GEO Microarray Data Mining
Authors: Liu Zheng , Li Zequan , Xu Shuqia , Han Bing , Zhu Zhaowei , Deng Yu , Zhang Yujing , Liu Xiangxia , Xu Yangbin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective

The purpose of this study was to find the coding RNA (messenger RNA, mRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expressed in keloid through the analysis of GEO microarray chip of keloid fibroblasts.
Method:

GEO database GSE7890 database was downloaded with selection of keloids and normal scar group data. The data were analyzed by R language combined with online database. The log2FC > 1, p < 0.01 was chosen as screening criteria, and the differentially expressed mRNAs were screened for GO and KEGG function analysis.
Results

155 mRNA expression in the keloid group was significantly different from that in the normal group, including 31 groups with up-regulated mRNA expression and 124 groups with down-regulated mRNA expression. Meanwhile, eight lncRNAs were changed in the keloid group, including 3 up-regulated (Rp11-420a23.1, Rp11-522b15.3 and Rp11-706j10.1) and 5 down-regulated (LINC00511, LINC00327, Hoxb-as3, Rp11-385n17.1 and Rp3-428l16.2). qPCR analysis of DElncRNAs in keloid fibroblasts showed that the expression of all DElncRNAs except for RP11-385N17.1 was increased in the keloid group compared to the control group. Moreover, the differences in LINC00511 and RP11-706J10.1 were statistically significant.
Conclusion

The non-coding RNA information of GEO chip data can be deeply mined through bioinformatics, and the potential epigenomic mechanism affecting keloid formation can be found from the existing database.
Evaulation of miRNAs as a Non-invasive Blood-Based Marker for Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fakhry Mohamed , Mohamed Huda , Mohamed Mona , Adel Sara , Tag-Adeen Mohammed , El-Sayed Marwa , Mahfouz Hamdy 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds: Although Colorectal cancer accounts for over 10% of all cancer incidence, it is highly preventable and can be detected at a stage when there are often no symptoms. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy encourages everyone over 50 to be screened for colorectal cancer, but many should start much earlier due to health and family history. Minimally invasive tests will be superior overtime taking into consideration availability, costs, convenience, and patient–clinicians preferences. Methods: 50 patients with known colorectal cancer (CRC) were enrolled based on colonoscopic and histopathological findings and 25 healthy subjects were enrolled as control group. Level of microRNA-21 gene expression was measured in both groups. Results: Level of microRNA-21 gene expression was significantly higher among CRC group in comparison to control group (2.76 ± 0.56 vs. 0.71 ± 0.16 (u/l); P< 0.001). A cut off point > 1.09 u/l, microRNA-21 gene expression had 96% sensitivity and 95% specificity with area under curve was 0.95 for detection of colo-rectal cancer. Level of microRNA-21 gene expression was significantly higher among CRC group in comparison to control group and its level was increasing with those with metastasis.Conclusion: Level of microRNA-21 gene expression is useful biomarker for discriminating CRC patients from healthy people.