bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of characteristics as endodontic sealer of novel experimental elastin-like polypeptide-based mineral trioxide aggregate
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jung , Jang Ji-Hyun , Kim Sun-Young 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough mineral trioxide aggregates (MTA) have been adopted as an endodontic sealer because of excellent sealing effect and bioactive property and been modified with improvement of its characteristics, the developed MTA sealers have not yet satisfied all the ideal requirements of endodontic sealers. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-incorporated MTA for use as an endodontic sealer and compare them with those of commercial MTA sealers. Two commercial MTA sealers and three experimental ELP-incorporated MTA sealers with 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 liquid/powder (L/P) ratio for 10 wt% ELP liquid were evaluated. The push-out bond strength, flow rate, sealer penetrability and wash-out resistance were tested and the sealer-dentin interface was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Our study revealed the ELP-incorporated MTA sealer, especially in 0.4 L/P ratio, exhibited the higher push-out bond strength and flow rate (P < 0.05), and equal or superior sealer penetration and remarkable wash-out resistance compared to commercial MTA sealers. The groups of ELP-based experimental sealers also exhibited more intimate contact with dentin compared to the commercial MTA sealers. Our research will suggest the possible adoption of the ELP-incorporated MTA as endodontic sealer for clinical use.
Development of marker-free transgenic pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) expressing a pod borer insecticidal protein
Authors: Sarkar Snehasish , Roy Souri , Ghosh Sudip K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPigeon pea, a grain legume of the semiarid tropics, is a rich source of high-quality protein. The productivity of this pulse is seriously affected by lepidopteron insect pests. To generate a sustainable insect-resistant plant, synthetically prepared bioactive key constituents of a crystal protein (Syn Cry1Ab) of Bacillus thuringiensis were expressed in pigeon pea under the guidance of a tissue-specific promoter of the RuBP carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit (rbcS) gene. Regenerated transgenic plants with the cry1Ab expression cassette (cry1Ab-lox-bar-lox) showed the optimum insect motility rate (90%) in an in vitro insect bioassay with second instar larvae, signifying the insecticidal potency of Syn Cry1Ab. In parallel, another plant line was also generated with a chimaeric vector harbouring a cre recombinase gene under the control of the CaMV 2 × 35S promoter. Crossing between T1 plants with a single insertion of cry1Ab-lox-bar-lox T-DNA and T1 plants with moderate expression of a cre gene with a linked hygromycin resistance (hptII) gene was performed to exclude the bialaphos resistance (bar) marker gene. Excision of the bar gene was achieved in T1F1 hybrids, with up to 35.71% recombination frequency. Insect-resistant pigeon pea plants devoid of selectable marker genes (syn Cry1Ab- bar and cre-hptII) were established in a consecutive generation (T1F2) through genetic segregation.
Revealing the developmental dynamics in male strobilus transcriptome of Gnetum luofuense using nanopore sequencing technology
Authors: Hou Chen , Tian Yuxin , Wang Yingli , Lian Huiming , Liang Dongcheng , Shi Shengqing , Deng Nan , He Boxiang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGnetumis a pantropical distributed gymnosperm genus. As being dioecious,Gnetumspecies apply female and male strobili to attract and provide nutrition to insect pollinators. Due to its unique gross morphology, aGnetummale strobilus receives much attention in previous taxonomic and evolutionary studies. However, underlying molecular mechanisms that control male strobilus development and pollination adaptation have not been well studied. In the present study, nine full-length transcriptomes were sequenced from three developmental stages of theG. luofuensemale strobili using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. In addition, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and RT-qPCR analysis were performed. Our results show that a total of 3138 transcription factors and 466 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified, and differentially expressed lncRNAs and TFs reveal a dynamic pattern during the male strobilus development. Our results show that MADS-box and Aux/IAA TFs were differentially expressed at the three developmental stages, suggesting their important roles in the regulation of male strobilus development ofG. luofuense. Results of WGCNA analysis and annotation of differentially expressed transcripts corroborate that the male strobilus development ofG. luofuenseis closely linked to plant hormone changes, photosynthesis, pollination drop secretion and reproductive organ defense. Our results provide a valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive organ evolution and pollination biology inGnetum.
Low serum TSH levels are associated with low values of fat-free mass and body cell mass in the elderly
Authors: Ittermann Till , Markus Marcello R. P. , Bahls Martin , Felix Stephan B. , Steveling Antje , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Dörr Marcus 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPrevious studies on the association between thyroid function and body composition are conflicting and showed strong differences across age groups. Our aim was to clarify age-specific associations of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with markers of body composition including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and body cell mass (BCM). We used data from two independent population-based cohorts within the framework of the Study of Health in Pomerania. The study population included 5656 individuals aged 20 to 90 years. Markers of body composition were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Serum TSH levels were significantly positively associated with BMI (β = 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06 to 0.27), waist circumference (β = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.62) and FM (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.52), but not with FFM and BCM. Interaction analysis revealed positive associations of serum TSH levels with BMI, waist circumference, FM, FFM and BCM in individuals older than 60 years, while no such associations were observed in younger individuals. We demonstrated that lower serum TSH levels were accompanied with lower values of BMI, waist circumference, FM, FFM, and BCM in the elderly, while no such associations were observed in younger individuals.
Traditional Chinese medicine Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi-Fang attenuates glycolysis and immune escape in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: results based on network pharmacology
Authors: Zheng Jinzhou , Xu Wenhao , Liu Wangrui , Tang Haijia , Lu Jingen , Yu Kui , Song Xiaoyun , Li Feng , Wang Yu , Wang Rui , Chen Lili , Zhang Hailiang , Qiu Yunhua , Wei Gaomeng , Zhou Xiqiu , Yang Jianfeng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common malignant type of kidney cancer. The present study aims to explore the underlying mechanism and potential targets of the traditional Chinese medicine Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi-Fang (BSJPF) in the treatment of ccRCC based on network pharmacology. After obtaining the complete composition information for BSJPF from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, we analyzed its chemical composition and molecular targets and then established a pharmacological interaction network. Twenty-four significantly differentially expressed genes and nine pathways mainly related to tumor proliferation were identified and screened. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the potential targets might be significantly involved in glycolysis and the HIF-1 signaling pathway. To further confirm the effect of BSJPF on ccRCC cell proliferation, a BALB/c xenograft mouse model was constructed. Potential targets involved in regulating glycolysis and the tumor immune microenvironment were evaluated using RT-qPCR. VEGF-A expression levels were markedly decreased, and heparin binding-EGF expression was increased in the BSJPF group. BSJPF also inhibited tumor proliferation by enhancing GLUT1- and LDHA-related glycolysis and the expression of the immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1 and CTLA-4, thereby altering the immune-rejection status of the tumor microenvironment. In summary, the present study demonstrated that the mechanism of BSJPF involves multiple targets and signaling pathways related to tumorigenesis and glycolysis metabolism in ccRCC. Our research provides a novel theoretical basis for the treatment of tumors with traditional Chinese medicine and new strategies for immunotherapy in ccRCC patients.
The dust-gas AGN torus as constrained from X-ray and mid-infrared observations
Authors: Esparza-Arredondo D. , Gonzalez-Martín O. , Dultzin D. , Masegosa J. , Ramos-Almeida C. , García-Bernete I. , Fritz J. , Osorio-Clavijo N. 
Published: May 2021

Context. In recent decades, several multiwavelength studies have been dedicated to exploring the properties of the obscuring material in active galactic nuclei (AGN). Various models have been developed to describe the structure and distribution of this material and constrain its physical and geometrical parameters through spectral fitting techniques. However, questions around the way in which torus mid-infrared (mid-IR) and X-ray emission are related remain unanswered.
Aims. In this work, we aim to study whether the dust continuum at mid-IR and gas reflection at X-rays have the same distribution in a sample of AGN.
Methods. We carefully selected a sample of 36 nearby AGN with NuSTAR and Spitzer spectra available that satisfy the following criteria: (1) the AGN component dominates the mid-IR spectra (i.e., the stellar and interstellar medium components contribute less than 50% to the spectrum), and (2) the reflection component contributes significantly to the X-ray spectrum. Furthermore, we discarded the sources whose reflection component could be produced by ionized material in the disk. We derived the properties of the nuclear dust and gas through a spectral fitting, using models developed for mid-IR and X-ray wavelengths assuming smooth and clumpy distributions for this structure.
Results. We find that a combination of smooth and clumpy distributions of gas and dust, respectively, is preferred for ∼80% of sources with good spectral fits according to the Akaike criterion. However, considering extra information about each individual source, such as the absorption variability, we find that ∼50% of our sources are best described by a clumpy distribution of both dust and gas. The remaining ∼50% of our sources can still be explained with a smooth distribution of gas and a clumpy distribution of dust. Furthermore, we explored the torus dust-to-gas ratio, finding that it is [0.01–1] times that of the interstellar medium.
Conclusions. The results presented in this paper suggest that the distribution of the gas and dust in AGN is complex. We find at least six scenarios to explain the observed properties of our sample. In these scenarios, three gas–dust distribution combinations are possible: clumpy–clumpy, smooth–smooth, and smooth–clumpy. Most of them are in agreement with the notion that gas could also be located in the dust-free region, which is consistent with the dust-to-gas ratio found.
Interferometric monitoring of gamma-ray bright AGNs: Measuring the magnetic field strength of 4C +29.45
Authors: Kang S. , Lee S.-S. , Hodgson J. , Algaba J.-C. , Lee J. W. , Kim J.-Y. , Park J. , Kino M. , Kim D. , Trippe S. 
Published: May 2021

Aims. We present the results of multi-epoch, multifrequency monitoring of blazar 4C +29.45, which was regularly monitored as part of the Interferometric Monitoring of GAmma-ray Bright Active Galactic Nuclei (iMOGABA) program – a key science program of the Korean Very long baseline interferometry Network (KVN).
Methods. Observations were conducted simultaneously at 22, 43, 86, and 129 GHz over the 4 years from 5 December 2012 to 28 December 2016. We also used additional data from the 15 GHz Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) monitoring program.
Results. From the 15 GHz light curve, we estimated the variability timescales of the source during several radio flux enhancements. We found that the source experienced six radio flux enhancements with variability timescales of 9–187 days during the observing period, yielding corresponding variability Doppler factors of 9–27. From the simultaneous multifrequency KVN observations, we were able to obtain accurate radio spectra of the source and hence to more precisely measure the turnover frequencies νr, of synchrotron self-absorption (SSA) emission with a mean value of νr̅ = 28.9 GHz. Using jet geometry assumptions, we estimated the size of the emitting region at the turnover frequency. We found that the equipartition magnetic field strength is up to two orders of magnitude higher than the SSA magnetic field strength (0.001–0.1 G). This is consistent with the source being particle dominated. We performed a careful analysis of the systematic errors related to the making of these estimations.
Conclusions. From the results, we concluded that the equipartition region is located upstream from the SSA region.
Spectral state transitions in Circinus ULX5
Authors: Mondal Samaresh , Różańska Agata , Bagińska Patrycja , Markowitz Alex , De Marco Barbara 
Published: May 2021

Context. We performed timing and spectral analyses of multi-epoch Suzaku, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR observations of the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) Circinus ULX5 with the aim of putting constraints on the mass of the central object and the accretion mode operating in this source.
Aims. We investigate whether the source contains a stellar mass black hole (BH) with a super-Eddington accretion flow or an intermediate mass black hole accreting matter in a sub-Eddington mode. Moreover, we search for major observed changes in spectra and timing and determine whether they are associated with major structural changes in the disk, similarly to those in black hole X-ray binaries.
Methods. We collected all available broadband data from 2001 to 2018 including Suzaku, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR. We a performed timing and spectral analyses to study the relation between luminosity and inner disk temperature. We proceeded with time-averaged spectral analysis using phenomenological models of different accretion modes. Finally, we constructed the hardness ratio versus intensity diagram to reveal spectral state transitions in Circinus ULX5.
Results. Our spectral analysis revealed at least three distinctive spectral states of Circinus ULX5 that are analagous to state transitions in Galactic black hole X-ray binaries. Disk-dominated spectra are found in high flux states and the power-law dominated spectra are found in lower flux states. The source was also observed in an intermediate state, where the flux was low, but the spectrum is dominated by a disk component. Over eighteen years of collected data, ULX5 appeared two times in the high, three times in the low, and two times in the intermediate state. The fastest observed transition was ∼seven months.
Conclusions. Our analysis suggests that the central object in Circinus ULX5 is a stellar mass BH (< 10 M⊙) or, possibly, a neutron star (NS) despite there being no detection of pulsations in the light curves. The fractional variability amplitudes are consistent with state transitions in Circinus ULX5, wherein higher variability from the power law-like Comptonized emission becomes suppressed in the thermal disk-dominated state.
Sharpening quasar absorption lines with ESPRESSO
Authors: Noterdaeme P. , Balashev S. , Ledoux C. , Duchoquet G. , López S. , Telikova K. , Boissé P. , Krogager J.-K. , De Cia A. , Bergeron J. 
Published: May 2021

Aims. We aim to study several key physical properties of quasar absorption-line systems that are subtly encoded in their absorption profiles and have not yet been thoroughly investigated or constrained.
Methods. We analysed a high-resolution (R = 140 000) spectrum of the bright quasar HE 0001−2340 (zem = 2.26) obtained with ESPRESSO, which was recently installed at the Very Large Telescope. We analysed three systems at z = 0.45, z = 1.65, and z = 2.19 using multiple-component Voigt-profile fitting. We also compared our spectrum with those obtained with VLT/UVES, covering a total period of 17 years.
Results. We disentangle turbulent and thermal broadening in many components spread over about 400 km s−1 in the z ≈ 2.19 sub-damped Lyman-α system. We derive an average temperature of 16 000 ± 1300 K, which is about twice the canonical value of the warm neutral medium in the Galactic interstellar medium (ISM). A comparison with other high-z, low-metallicity absorbers reveals an anti-correlation between gas temperature and total H I column density. Although requiring confirmation, this could be the first observational evidence of a thermal decrease with galactocentric distance; in other words, we may be witnessing a thermal transition between the circumgalactic medium and the cooler ISM. We revisit the Mg isotopic ratios at z = 0.45 and z = 1.65 and constrain them to be ξ = (26Mg + 25Mg)/24Mg < 0.6 and < 1.4 in these two systems, respectively. These values are consistent with the standard solar ratio; that is, we do not confirm strong enhancement of heavy isotopes previously inferred from UVES data. Finally, we confirm the partial coverage of the quasar emission-line region by a Fe I-bearing cloud in the z = 0.45 system and present evidence for velocity substructure of the gas that has Doppler parameters of the order of only ∼0.3 km s−1. This agrees well with the low kinetic temperature of T ∼ 100 K inferred from modelling of the gas physical conditions.
Conslusions. This work demonstrates the unique insight provided by high-fidelity, high-resolution optical spectrographs on large telescopes when used to investigate the thermal state of the gas in and around galaxies as well as its spatial and velocity structure on small scales, and to constrain the associated stellar nucleosynthetic history.
Methodological approach to assessing the efficiency of the use of digital technologies in the activities of customs authorities
Authors: Barausova Elena , Lebedinskaya Yuliya , Nigay Evgeniya 
Published: May 2021

In conditions of limited time, which is dictated by the modern rhythm of life, digital technologies are becoming one of the main tools for optimization and rationalization of all spheres of human activity. The use of modern digital technologies in the customs system is primarily aimed at increasing the efficiency of its activities. Properties such as quality, speed, transparency, generated with the help of information customs technologies, create prerequisites for stimulating Russia’s foreign economic activity and developing the national economy. However, at present, the Federal Customs Service has a number of problems that impede the development of digitalization of customs activities, due to external and internal factors, as well as contradictions in some of the tasks facing the customs authorities. Therefore, the task of analyzing the efficiency of the use of digital technologies in the activities of customs authorities becomes urgent.
The authors of the article proposed a methodological approach to assessing the efficiency of the use of digital technologies in the activities of customs authorities, which is based on assessing the quality of electronic customs services.
Persistierende Ohrgeräusche – ein Fallbeispiel
Authors: Hoffmann Marisa , Bredewout Daan 
Published: May 2021

ZusammenfassungSeit 6 Jahren leidet der Patient an einem Tinnitus. Auslöser könnte eine Aufbissschiene gewesen sein. In der Untersuchung offenbaren sich Faktoren, die das Geräusch modulieren und dadurch wertvolle Hinweise für die Therapie geben. Der Tinnitus kann zwar durch Physiotherapie beeinflusst werden, die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Zahnarzt entpuppt sich aber als unerlässlich für ein umfassendes Management.
Comparison of Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Posterolateral Fusion Techniques in the Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Ziroglu Nezih , Duramaz Altug , Bayrak Alkan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background This study aimed to compare posterolateral fusion with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLF + TLIF) and PLF only in terms of revision surgery rates and complications, as well as functional and radiological outcomes in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients.
Methods Seventy-one patients (37 patients in the PLF + TLIF group and 34 patients in the PLF only group) who underwent surgery due to LSS between January 2013 and December 2016 were retrospectively investigated. Functional evaluation was performed by using the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scales pre-and postoperatively. Radiological evaluation was made by examining adjacent vertebrae, posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) morphology, and sagittal balance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Results Postoperative MPQ, RMDQ, and ODI scores were significantly better in the PLF + TLIF group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). The complication rate was significantly higher in the PLF only group (p = 0.026). In the PLF + TLIF group, postoperative functional scores showed significant improvement in terms of the instrumented segment and level of interbody fusion. Postoperative functional scores showed significant improvement in PLF + TLIF patients with no complications, no revision surgery, no postoperative MRI findings, and neutral sagittal balance compared to the preoperative functional scores (p < 0.001).
Conclusion PLF + TLIF is significantly superior in terms of functional scores and complications, despite the statistical similarity in terms of postoperative MRI findings and sagittal balance between the groups. Surgeons should prefer PLF + TLIF for the surgical treatment of LSS for better results.
“Tuberculosis”: A Surprise Guest in Carcinoma of Pinna
Authors: Aroor Rajeshwary , Bhat Vadisha Srinivas , Koikkara Remya , Abdulrahim Razna , Rajendra Vinay Kumar J. , Laxminarayana Kishan Prasad H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTuberculosis is a common health care problem worldwide, though the incidence has come down in recent years due to various health care programs targeting tuberculosis and improved living conditions. Cervical lymph nodes are among the common sites for extrapulmonary tuberculosis. They usually present with painless enlargement of cervical lymph nodes with or without constitutional symptoms. Tuberculosis rarely coexists with malignancy in the geographical area where the prevalence of tuberculosis is high. The disease needs to be treated with antituberculosis treatment as per standard guidelines and the primary treatment of malignancy. We report a case of an adult male presented with a lesion on the pinna, which was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of the pinna on biopsy; he was later found to have coexistent tuberculosis after undergoing surgery for carcinoma.
Posterior Cloacal Variant with Clitorolabial Transposition and a Rectoperineal Fistula
Authors: Maistry Niveshni , Brisighelli Giulia , Westgarth-Taylor Chris 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe present a case and discuss the management of a posterior cloacal variant not as yet described in the literature. A 5-week-old infant presented to our institution with a posterior cloacal variant and transposition of the clitoris and labia. After initial radiological investigations, staged operative intervention was performed over a 1-year period. This included an initial laparotomy (with drainage of hydrocolpos and formation of a colostomy), a left ureteric reimplantation and a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty due to a rectoperineal fistula. The child is under continued long-term follow-up by our specialist pediatric surgical team.