bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome Insights into the Effect of Sterigmatocystin on Growth and Aflatoxin B1 Production by Aspergillus Flavus
Authors: Zhao Yarong , Zeng Rui , Chen Peirong , Wang Xu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) is an important fungus that produces aflatoxins, of which aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most toxic and prone to contaminating food. This leads to economic losses in agricultural products and human health risks. Sterigmatocystin (STC) is a precursor in the metabolic biosynthesis of AFB1. In this study growth of A. flavus was not affected by the presence of STC, but AFB1 production was inhibited at certain concentrations. To uncover the mechanism, transcriptomic profiles of A. flavus in the presence or absence of STC were evaluated in PDB. A total of 3377 differentially-expressed genes were identified; 1182 were up-regulated and 2195 were down-regulated. GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were mainly involved in the organization and biosynthesis of cellular components, organelle part, organelle division, macromolecular compound functions; the main pathway was valine, leucine and isoleucine synthesis and aflatoxin synthesis. The clustered genes responsible for AFB1 biosynthesis were down-regulated to different degrees; norB expression was completely suppressed in the experimental group. This study provides new insights into control of A. flavus and the mechanisms regulating mycotoxin production.
A generalizable framework for spatially explicit exploration of soil carbon sequestration on global marginal land
Authors: Albers Ariane , Avadí Angel , Hamelin Lorie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Designing land-based climate stabilisation strategies demands changes in land use management or new areas to grow biomass sustainably, without reducing food supply or damaging natural ecosystems. Here we integrated, into a generalizable framework, the mapping of a set of biophysical (climatic and edaphic) and land conservation constraints to identify the pairing of target areas with suitable plant species, and quantify their contributions to long-term soil carbon sequestration, including losses from rain-driven erosion. The proposed framework represents a refinement to previous global mapping exercises, which seldom consider pedo-climatic constraints, plant species tolerances and world protected areas. We demonstrated the applicability of the framework through a global case study by mapping target areas featuring low soil organic carbon stocks (≤50 t SOC ha-1) and producing quantifiable soil carbon sequestration potentials of best matches. Preliminary target areas were mapped at a 30 arc-sec resolution, and then consolidated per geographical and environmental boundaries (geopolitical world regions x global ecological zones).
Unravelling the Mechanisms of Electromagnetically Induced Absorption and Transparency in Open Degenerate Multilevel System: Effects of Neighboring Transitions
Authors: Jadoon Zeeshan Ali Safdar , Noh Heung-Ryoul , Kim Jin-Tae 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Optical Bloch equations with and without neighboring hyperfine states near the degenerate two-level system (DTLS) in the challenging case of 85Rb D2 transition that involves the Doppler broadening effect are solved herein. The calculated spectra agree well with the experimental results obtained using the coupling-probe scheme with orthogonal linear polarizations of the coupling and probe fields. The mechanisms of electromagnetically induced absorption (electromagnetically induced transparency) for the open Fg = 3 → Fe = 2 and 3 transitions (open Fg = 2 → Fe = 2 and 3 transitions) are clearly determined to be the effect of the strong closed Fg = 3 → Fe = 4 transition line (strong closed Fg = 2 → Fe = 1 transition line) based on the comparisons of the calculated absorption profiles of a DTLS without neighboring states and those of all levels with neighboring states depending on the coupling and probe power ratios. The crucial factors established based on comparisons of the calculated absorption profiles of DTLS with and without neighboring states, which enhance or reduce coherence effects and result in transformation between electromagnetically induced absorption and electromagnetically induced transparency, are the power ratios between coupling and probe beams, openness of the excited state, and effects of the neighboring states due to the Doppler broadening in a real atomic system.
Relationship Between The Dynamics of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Incident Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Shin Han-Bit , Ahn Young Hwan , Cho Hyo Jung , Cheong Jae Youn , Park Bumhee , Kim Soon Sun , Han Ji Eun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between changes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) over time and risk of incident diabetes mellitus (DM). In total, 3,047 subjects without underlying DM were followed up for 14 years from the Anseong-Ansan cohort. NAFLD status was determined biennially using the hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and subjects were clustered into seven groups according to changes in HSI, body mass index (BMI), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR): non-, persistent, transient, transient resolved, resolved, incident, and recurrent NAFLD (Groups 1–7, respectively). Predictive abilities were compared between the dynamics of HSI and single time points. Regarding the changes in HSI, the risk of incident DM was highest in Group 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.710; P < 0.001), followed by Groups 7 (HR, 2.062; P < 0.001) and 3 (HR, 1.559; P = 0.027). The predictive ability for DM was powerful in order of HOMA-IR, HSI and BMI. The dynamics of NAFLD were less predictive of incident DM than single time-point NAFLD. In conclusion, NAFLD is more useful than BMI in predicting incident DM. However, NAFLD status at single time points can better predict incident DM than dynamic changes in HSI.
Structural and optical properties of Cr doped AlN thin films before and after ions implantation
Authors: Asmat Asmat Ullah , Usman Muhammad , Shar Altaf Hussain 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Thin films of Chromium (Cr) doped Aluminum Nitride (AlN) have been prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature and pressure conditions in a Nitrogen (N) atmosphere. One of the samples was left as-deposited and the other was irradiated with proton at a fluence of 1x1014 ions/cm2 at a dose of 335 keV. The impact of ions doping on the structural and optical characteristics were investigated systematically. RBS and XRD were utilized to study the stoichiometry, thickness and structural information of the thin films respectively. FTIR was utilized to understand the bonding chemistry of the specimens. We concluded that the optical properties of the thin films have been changed selectively with irradiation leaving by structural unaltered.
Formation Mechanism of Al2O3-YAG Amorphous Ceramic Coating Deposited via Atmospheric Plasma Spraying
Authors: Zhang Zheyi , Ai Yizhaotong , Zhong Xinghua , Zhuang Yin , Sheng Jing , Ni Jinxing , Tao Shunyan , Yang Kai 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study mainly investigated the formation mechanism of Al2O3-YAG(Al5Y3O12) amorphous coating prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. Nano and micro-sized powders with low eutectic point ratio were selected as raw materials for comparison. XRD, SEM and EBSD were used to analyze the phase composition, morphologies, phase distribution and structure of the coating. The crystal structures of the possible existed phases were studied to analyze the crystallization chemistry of powder droplets. It is concluded that the composition ratio of powders and particle size should be also considered as the key factors for the preparation of amorphous coatings besides the high enthalpy and ultra-fast cooling rate of thermal spray technology. The as-sprayable powder chose multiple components with low eutectic point ratio distributed uniformly at nano-scale or sub-micro scale, and can reacted to form the new phase crystal with high coordination numbers of cations.
Realizing the Air Joining of ZrO2 Ceramics Through Al Metal
Authors: Yan Yaotian , Xu Tianxiong , Liu Baishen , Qiao Liang , Qin Shaohua , Cao Jian , Qi Junlei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The interfacial behaviors of the filler metal and base material have always been the key issues for ceramics joining. Herein, we reveal that the Al metal prefers to spread on the ZrO2 based ceramic under the air heating condition, due to the geometric limit effects by in-situ formed dense Al2O3 surface. Inspired by this, the joining of ZrO2 based ceramics was realized in air with Al metal as filler, due to the diffusion of Al towards ceramic side. The Al element can induce obvious interfacial bonding effect towards Al2O3 layer and ZrO2 ceramic, where the hybridization among the Al-p, Zr-d and O-p orbitals plays a key role. The in-situ formed Al2O3 layer on Al filler surface is vital for forming the fine interface (shear strength of ~36 MPa), which results in the relief of lattice mismatch and peak stress at ceramic-filler metal transition interface.
Sequential Treatment of Severe Airway Stenosis Caused by Esophageal Cancer by Using Airway Stent Implantation and Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy
Authors: Xie Pengfei , Wang Shuai , He Wei , Yin Meipan , Li Chunxia , Li Zhen , Li Xiaobing , Ma Yaozhen , Yang Guang , Wu Gang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This study was aimed at investigating the safety and efficacy of airway stent implantation and transarterial infusion chemotherapy for the treatment of severe airway stenosis caused by esophageal cancer. Methods: Data of patients with advanced esophageal cancer complicated by severe airway stenosis treated with airway stent implantation and transarterial infusion chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. Furthermore, dyspnea, clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, and survival were evaluated. Results: Of the 71 patients included, 28, 43, 34, 35, and 2 patients had grade III dyspnea, grade IV dyspnea before airway stenting, grade I dyspnea, grade III dyspnea, and grade III dyspnea after airway stenting, respectively. After airway stent implantation and 1–3 courses of transarterial infusion chemotherapy, complete response, partial response, and stable disease were noted in 11, 41, and 19 patients, respectively. Total objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 73.2% and 100.0%, respectively. During follow-up, 32, 24, and 10 patients died of organ failure, tumor-related respiratory failure, and gastrointestinal bleeding, respectively. The median survival time was 8 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 40.8%.Conclusions: Airway stent implantation combined with arterial infusion chemotherapy is safe and effective in the sequential treatment of esophageal cancer with severe airway stenosis.
Breast cancer in Western Africa: A pilot molecular analysis of BRCA genes in early- onset breast cancer patients in Burkina Faso
Authors: Biancolella Michela , Ouedraogo Nabonswindé Lamoussa Marie , Zongo Nayi , Zohoncon Théodora Mahoukèdè , Testa Barbara , Rizzacasa Barbara , Latini Andrea , Conte Chiara , Compaore Tégwindé Rebeca , Ouedraogo Charlemagne Marie Rayang-Newendé , Traore Si Simon , Simpore Jacques , Novelli Giuseppe 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, after cervical cancer, among women in Africa. Even if the epidemiological data are now aligned with those relating to industrialized countries, the knowledge concerning breast cancer in Africa, in particularly in Western Africa still lack clinical data, medical treatments, and the evaluation of genetic and non-genetic factors implicated in the etiology of the disease.The early onset and the aggressiveness of diagnosed breast cancers in patients of African ancestry strongly suggest that the genetic risk factor may play an important role but up to date very few studies have been done concerning the impact of germ line mutations in breast cancer in Africa, with a negative impact on prevention, awareness and patient management.We have performed by Next Generation sequencing (NGS) the analysis of all coding regions and the exon-intron junctions of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, the two most important genes in hereditary breast cancer, in fifty-one women from Burkina Faso with early onset of breast cancer and or without a family history.Results: We identified six different pathogenic mutations (3 in BRCA1, 3 in BRCA2), two of which have been found to be recurrent , in 8 unrelated women.In addition, we identified, in 4 other patients, two variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) and two variants never previously described in literature, although one of which is present in the dbSNP database.Conclusions: The present study is the first in which the entire coding sequence of BRCA genes have been analyzed by Next Generation Sequencing in Burkinabe young women with breast cancer. Our data support the importance of genetic risk factors in the etiology of breast cancer in this population and suggests the necessity to improve the genetic cancer risk assessment. Furthermore, the identification of the most frequent mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the population of Burkina Faso will allow the development of an inexpensive genetic test for the identification of subjects at high genetic cancer risk, which could be used to design personalized therapeutic protocols.
The Retreated Tendency of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zuo Zhengkang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The novel virus (COVID-19) pandemic threats the global most since the World War II yet difficult to design effective policy to respond it because widely utilized models only support to predict the future tendency within a narrow time-window. Besides, existing pandemic metrics are sensitive to the detecting policy ( p <0.001), which make them hard to reveal the real infection phenomena, because the fluctuation of these metric values may be an outcome of a suddenly changed detecting policy instead of real infection increase or decrease. Methods: We developed a Benchmark, Amendment and Validation model (BAVM) to make the above complex phenomena clearer, and combined with the hypothesis of potential periodicity of COVID-19 to devote jointly the retreated prediction of pandemic within a broad time-window. Onward, we utilized 113 countries’ epidemic data from January 21, 2020 to August 31, 2020 and detecting policies to carry out our methodology, then validated the results through statistical tests involving chi -square test, one t-test and independent t test. Results: Results exhibit the 4-month of potential periodicity between two adjacent peaks of pandemic ( t =–1.56, p =12.4%). Besides, whether or not the peak emergence has no effect on COVID-19 dynamic trajectory, but the time to firstly peak affects. Meanwhile, uprising the quarantine rate exhibits the earlier expedition towards the first peak emergence (9.7% vs. 6.2%, p =4.1%). On the contrary, the delay of first peak increased the infection rate (0.6% vs. 0.3%, p =1.5%) but also the discharge rate (65% vs. 74%, p =3.8%). Moreover, the indication of the retreated tendency of COVID-19 pandemic is that the next peak should emerge but in fact vanished after one periodicity. Otherwise, the pandemic enters into the next worse phase, typical of high mortality (5% vs. 3.4%, p =5.3%) and low discharge rate (65.8% vs. 74.1%, p =4.2%). Conclusion: To recognize the retreated tendency of this pandemic is quite significant for either the global or the local policy-making, especially in the regular epidemic prevention, control measures and work resumption.
Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer and Ophthalmic Artery Blood Parameters in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma
Authors: Koç Hacı , Kaya Faruk , İpeksoy Ümit 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
PurposeThis study investigates the relationship between ophthalmic artery blood flow parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in eyes with pseudoexfoliation. MethodsThree comparisons were made in this study. In the first, eyes without glaucoma with pseudoexfoliation in any of the eyes were compared with the control group. In the second, eyes with pseudoexfoliation and without glaucoma were compared with those with pseudoexfoliation and glaucoma. In the third, cases with glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation were compared with the control group. Ophthalmic artery colour Doppler imaging measurements were performed in all patients. Also, peripapillary RNFL analysis was performed. ResultsA statistically significant difference was found between the total RNFL measurements according to group (p = 0.012; p < 0.05). From the paired comparisons, the total RNFL measurements from the control group were higher than the group without glaucoma (p = 0.010). No statistically significant difference was found between the total RNFL measurements of the other groups (p > 0.05). In the pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG) group, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between total RNLF and Peak systolic velocity (PSV) (r = -0.743; p < 0.01). There was also a statistically significant negative correlation between total RNLF and End diastolic velocity (EDV) (r = -0.691; p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between total RNLF and resistive index (RI) measurements (p > 0.05). ConclusionPseudoexfoliation syndrome(PXS) caused a decrease in the PSV and EDV values of ophthalmic artery blood flow parameters. Again, PXS caused a decrease in total RNFL, RNFL S, RNFL I and RNFL T thickness values.
Maternal Age and Maternal Environment Affect Egg Composition, Yolk Testosterone, Offspring Growth and Behaviour in Laying Hens
Authors: Widowski Tina M. , Cooley Leanne , Hendriksen Simone , Peixoto Mariana R.L.V. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Maternal effects have been reported to alter offspring phenotype in laying hens. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal environment and maternal age on egg traits and offspring development and behaviour. For this, we ran two experiments. First (E1), commercial hybrid hens were reared either in aviary or barren brooding cages, then housed in aviary, conventional cages or furnished (enriched) cages, thus forming different maternal housing treatments. Hens from each treatment were inseminated at three ages, and measures of egg composition, yolk testosterone concentration and offspring’s development, anxiety and fearfulness were assessed. In experiment 2 (E2), maternal age effects on offspring's growth and behaviour were further investigated using fertile eggs from commercial breeder flocks at three ages. Results from E1 showed that maternal age affected the majority of measures including egg composition, yolk testosterone, offspring growth, anxiety and fearfulness. Maternal rearing and housing affected fewer measures but included egg characteristics, offspring weight and behaviour. Effects of maternal age were not replicated in E2, possibly due to higher tolerance to maternal effects in commercial breeders. Overall, our research confirms that maternal environment and maternal age affect the offspring of laying hens in a variety of ways. These effects may be mediated by the natural decrease in egg yolk testosterone concentration over time.
Recycling of the Diamond-wire Saw Powder by Ni-catalyzed Nitridation to Prepare Si3N4
Authors: Xu Hongli , Jin Xing , Zhou Xuetong , Du Xinghong , Xing Pengfei , Zhuang Yanxin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the acceleration of nickel (Ni) in the direct nitridation process of the diamond-wire saw powder (DWSP) was investigated. The DWSP doped with Ni additives were nitrided at different temperatures. To study the mechanism of accelerated nitridation, the thermodynamics of Si-O-N-Ni was analyzed by FactSage 7.2 and single-crystal silicon blocks were also nitrided instead of the DWSP. The results revealed that Ni decreased the nitridation temperature at which the DWSP began to gain significant weight and exhibited an excellent accelerating effect on the nitridation of the DWSP. At 1300℃, the DWSP containing 2.0 wt.% Ni additives had been completely nitrided within 2 h, whereas the DWSP without Ni additives had not been nitrided yet. Based on the equivalent substitution experiment, it could be conducted that the presence of Ni additives accelerated the nitridation and promoted the formation of the α-Si3N4 nanorods through facilitating the generation of the SiO(g) and destructing the silica film on the surface of silicon at lower temperature. Meanwhile, Ni additives also played an important part in the growth of α-Si3N4 nanorods by forming liquid Ni-Si alloy in the product.
Long Non-coding RNA PVT1 Promotes Chondrocyte Extracellular Matrix Degradation by Acting as a Sponge for miR-140 in IL-1β-stimulated Chondrocytes
Authors: Yao Nan , Peng Sha , Wu Huai , Liu Wengang , Cai Dake , Huang Dane 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease, and chondrocyte extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation is one vital pathological feature of OA. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), a new kind of gene regulator, plays an important role in pathogenesis of many diseases like OA. Recent studies have confirmed that lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) expression was up-regulated in OA patients; however, its effect on ECM degradation remained unknown. Methods: Cartilage tissue samples were obtained from 6 OA patients admitted by Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Chondrocytes were isolated and cultured from the collected cartilage tissue. Plasmid construction, RNA interference, Cell transfection, Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and Pull-down assay were carried out during the research.Results: In this study, PVT1 expression was significantly increased in chondrocytes stimulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In addition, inhibition of PVT1 significantly down-regulated the increased expressions of ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif-5 (ADAMTS-5) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) induced by IL-1β. Further investigation revealed that PVT1 was an endogenous sponge RNA, which directly bound to miR-140 and inhibited miR-140 expression. Conclusion: To sum up, this study showed that PVT1 promoted expressions of ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13 as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-140 in OA, which eventually led to aggravation of ECM degradation, thus providing a new and promising strategy for the treatment of OA.