bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ex Vivo Expansion and CRISPR‐Cas9 Genome Editing of Primary Human Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Huang Rih‐Sheng , Lai Min‐Chi , Lin Steven 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are potent innate immune cells that provide the surveillance and elimination of infected, stressed, and malignant cells. The unique immune recognition mechanisms and functions of NK cells make them an attractive cell type for immunology research and adoptive immunotherapy. However, primary NK cells are challenging to culture ex vivo and lack efficient genetic tools, hindering the research of NK cells and the development of NK cell therapeutics. Here we describe methods for the freeze‐thaw process, feeder‐free ex vivo expansion, CRISPR‐Cas9 genome editing, and functional characterizations of primary human NK cells. Our protocol enables ∼30‐fold and ∼2000‐fold average expansion rates from 1 × 107 cryopreserved NK cells in 14 and 28 days, respectively. We also detail methods for CRISPR gene knockout and knockin by nucleofection of Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNP) and DNA repair templates. Gene knockout by Cas9 RNP nucleofection can be multiplexed to simultaneously target three genes. The CRISPR‐edited cells can be cryopreserved and rethawed with high viability for future studies. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Thawing of natural killer cellsBasic Protocol 2: Ex vivo expansion of natural killer cellsBasic Protocol 3: Cryopreservation of expanded natural killer cellsBasic Protocol 4: Characterization of natural killer cells: Flow cytometry and surface marker analysisBasic Protocol 5: Cytotoxicity and degranulation assaysBasic Protocol 6: Preparation of homology‐directed repair templatesBasic Protocol 7: Nucleofection of CRISPR‐Cas9 ribonucleoproteinsBasic Protocol 8: Genotyping of gene‐edited natural killer cellsBasic Protocol 9: Phenotyping of gene‐edited natural killer cells
Numerical Investigation of Cone Shape Grooved DS Block to Improve the mc–Si Ingot Quality
Authors: Gurusamy Aravindan , Manikam Srinivasan , Perumalsamy Ramasmy 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMulticrystalline silicon solar cells occupy 62% in crystalline silicon solar cell production. It is grown by the directional solidification process. Solidification control has a vital role in directional solidification process. Cone shape groove is made in the directional solidification block to enhance the outgoing heat flux in the center region than the peripheral region. Five directional solidification furnaces are simulated for making a multicrystalline silicon ingot. First furnace is the conventional furnace, the second furnace has 30 mm × 85 mm groove block, the third furnace has 40 mm × 85 mm groove block, the fourth furnace has 50 mm × 85 mm groove block and the fifth furnace has 60 mm × 85 mm groove block. The von Mises stress in the maximum volume of the conventional and modified grown ingots are below the range of critical value. In conventional case 7% of the ingot volume is above critical stress value and in the modified cases 2.5% of the ingot volume is above critical stress value. If axial and radial temperature gradient is combined in the 50 mm × 85 mm groove block leads to better results.
Occurrence of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds and Potential Ecological Risks in Wastewater from Hospitals and Receiving Waters in Sri Lanka
Authors: Goswami Prasun , Guruge Keerthi S. , Tanoue Rumi , Tamamura Yukino A. , Jinadasa K. B. S. N. , Nomiyama Kei , Kunisue Tatsuya , Tanabe Shinsuke 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PACs) in the environment and their associated hazards is a major global health concern; however, data on these compounds are scarce in developing nations. In the present study, the existence of 39 non-antimicrobial PACs and six of their metabolites in wastewater from hospitals and adjacent surface waters in Sri Lanka was investigated from 2016 to 2018. The highest amounts of the measured chemicals, including the highest concentrations of atorvastatin (14,620 ng/L) and two metabolites, mefenamic acid (12,120 ng/L) and o-desmethyl tramadol (8700 ng/L), were detected in wastewater from the largest facility. Mefenamic acid, gemfibrozil, losartan, cetirizine, carbamazepine, and phenytoin were detected in all the samples. The removal rates in wastewater treatment were 100% for zolpidem, norsertaline, quetiapine, chlorpromazine, and alprazolam. There was substantial variation in removal rates of PACs among facilities, and the overall data suggest that treatment processes in facilities were ineffective and that some PAC concentrations in the effluents were increased. The estimated risk quotients revealed that 14 PACs detected in water samples could pose low to high ecological risk to various aquatic organisms. Compounds such as ibuprofen, tramadol, and chlorpromazine detected in untreated and treated wastewater at these facilities pose a high risk to several aquatic organisms. Our study provides novel monitoring data for non-antimicrobial PAC abundance and the associated potential ecological risk related to hospitals and urban surface waters in Sri Lanka and further offers valuable information on pre–COVID-19 era PAC distribution in the country. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:298–311. © 2021 SETAC
Hybridization enables the fixation of selfish queen genotypes in eusocial colonies
Authors: Weyna Arthur , Romiguier Jonathan , Mullon Charles 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA eusocial colony typically consists of two main castes: queens that reproduce and sterile workers that help them. This division of labor, however, is vulnerable to genetic elements that favor the development of their carriers into queens. Several factors, such as intracolonial relatedness, can modulate the spread of such caste-biasing genotypes. Here we investigate the effects of a notable yet understudied ecological setting: where larvae produced by hybridization develop into sterile workers. Using mathematical modeling, we show that the coevolution of hybridization with caste determination readily triggers an evolutionary arms race between nonhybrid larvae that increasingly develop into queens, and queens that increasingly hybridize to produce workers. Even where hybridization reduces worker function and colony fitness, this race can lead to the loss of developmental plasticity and to genetically hard-wired caste determination. Overall, our results may help understand the repeated evolution toward remarkable reproductive systems (e.g., social hybridogenesis) observed in several ant species.
Group‐guided individual functional parcellation of the hippocampus and application to normal aging
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Xu Dundi , Cui Hongjie , Zhao Tianyu , Chu Congying , Wang Jiaojian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAging is closely associated with cognitive decline affecting attention, memory and executive functions. The hippocampus is the core brain area for human memory, learning, and cognition processing. To delineate the individual functional patterns of hippocampus is pivotal to reveal the neural basis of aging. In this study, we developed a group‐guided individual parcellation approach based on semisupervised affinity propagation clustering using the resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify individual functional subregions of hippocampus and to identify the functional patterns of each subregion during aging. A three‐way group parcellation was yielded and was taken as prior information to guide individual parcellation of hippocampus into head, body, and tail in each subject. The superiority of individual parcellation of hippocampus is validated by higher intraregional functional similarities by compared to group‐level parcellation results. The individual variations of hippocampus were associated with coactivation patterns of three typical functions of hippocampus. Moreover, the individual functional connectivities of hippocampus subregions with predefined target regions could better predict age than group‐level functional connectivities. Our study provides a novel framework for individual brain functional parcellations, which may facilitate the future individual researches for brain cognitions and brain disorders and directing accurate neuromodulation.
Investigation of surface roughness values of various restorative materials after brushing with blue covarine containing whitening toothpaste by two different methods: AFM and profilometer
Authors: Yılmaz Cemile , Kanık Özgür 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of whitening toothpaste on the surface roughness of resin‐based restorative materials by different measurement methods. Twenty four specimens from each of human enamel, a microhybrid composite and two nanohybrid composites discs (8.0 diameter × 4.0 mm thick) were divided into two groups (n = 12) according to toothbrushing solutıon and subjected to simulation toothbrushing (30,000 cycles) with both distilled water and whitening toothpaste containing blue covarine. Surface roughness was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), profilometer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the data obtained were subjected to analysis. Ra values of Tescera (TES) were significantly higher than Sonicfill 2 (SF2) when brushing both toothbrushing solutions for initial or 30,000 cycles. Roughness increased for SF2 and TES when brushed for 30,000 cycles and was higher than enamel and Herculite XRV Ultra (HXU). Human enamel was obtained lower surface roughness values brushed with toothpaste compared with distilled water. Evaluation of the surface roughness of control groups using the AFM revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups, but significant differences were found using a profilometer. The use of abrasive whitening toothpaste containing blue covarine and the number of brushing cycles affect the surface properties of human enamel and the restorative material, and also, the clinical success of the restoration. Toothbrushing for 30,000 cycles increased the surface roughness of all materials. The type of toothbrushing solution partially has affected surface roughness.
Use of complex physiological traits as ecotoxicological biomarkers in tropical freshwater fishes
Authors: Monteiro Diana A. , Kalinin Ana L. , Rantin F. Tadeu , McKenzie David J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe review the use of complex physiological traits, of tolerance and performance, as biomarkers of the toxicological effects of contaminants in subtropical and tropical freshwater fishes. Such traits are growing in relevance due to climate change, as exposure to contaminants may influence the capacity of fishes to tolerate and perform in an increasingly stressful environment. We review the evidence that the critical oxygen level, a measure of hypoxia tolerance, provides a valuable biomarker of impacts of diverse classes of contaminants. When coupled with measures of cardiorespiratory variables, it can provide insight into mechanisms of toxicity. The critical thermal maximum, a simple measure of tolerance of acute warming, also provides a valuable biomarker despite a lack of understanding of its mechanistic basis. Its relative ease of application renders it useful in the rapid evaluation of multiple species, and in understanding how the severity of contaminant impacts depends upon prevailing environmental temperature. The critical swimming speed is a measure of exercise performance that is widely used as a biomarker in temperate species but very few studies have been performed on subtropical or tropical fishes. Overall, the review serves to highlight a critical lack of knowledge for subtropical and tropical freshwater fishes. There is a real need to expand the knowledge base and to use physiological biomarkers in support of decision making to manage tropical freshwater fish populations and their habitats, which sustain rich biodiversity but are under relentless anthropogenic pressure.
Clinicopathological characteristics of early gastric cancer associated with autoimmune gastritis
Authors: Kitamura Shinji , Muguruma Naoki , Okamoto Koichi , Kagemoto Kaizo , Kida Yoshifumi , Mitsui Yasuhiro , Ueda Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Tomoyuki , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Sato Yasushi , Aoki Rika , Shunto Joji , Bando Yoshimi , Takayama Tetsuji 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune gastritis is known to be associated with neoplastic lesions but the relationship between autoimmunity and tumorigenesis have not been sufficiently clarified. The aim of this study is to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer cases associated with autoimmune gastritis.MethodsA total of 24 patients diagnosed as early gastric cancer with autoimmune gastritis were registered. Chart reviews with the data including age, gender, state of Helicobacter pylori infection, comorbidity, and concomitant gastric diseases were conducted. As for the characteristics of gastric cancer, location, size, morphological type, histopathology, invasion depth, and the presence of metachronous or simultaneous lesion were assessed. These data from autoimmune gastritis group were compared with those from 301 patients of early gastric cancer as a control group.ResultsThe gastric cancer associated with autoimmune gastritis was located in the upper, middle, and lower parts in 28.1%, 53.1%, and 18.8%, respectively. The morphological types are as follows: 0‐I, 9.4%; 0‐IIa, 28.1%; 0‐IIb, 15.6%; 0‐IIc, 46.9%; and 0‐III, 0.0%. The mean tumor size was 21.8 mm. While 90.6% were confined to the mucosa, 9.4% showed submucosal invasion. The histological classifications are as follows: tub1, 50.0%; tub2, 15.6%; pap, 21.9%; sig, 9.4%; and por, 3.1%. More numbers of female, protruded types, larger tumor size, papillary tumor, and that in the upper location were observed in autoimmune gastritis group compared to control group.ConclusionEarly gastric cancer associated with autoimmune gastritis demonstrated different characteristics from those without autoimmune gastritis including variety of tumor morphologies and histological types with female dominancy.
A practical and effective strategy in East Asia to prevent anti‐D alloimmunization in patients by C/c phenotyping of serologic RhD‐negative blood donors
Authors: Ito Shoichi , Ohto Hitoshi , Ogiyama Yoshiko , Irino Michiyo , Omokawa Susumu , Shibasaki Itaru , Ogasawara Kenichi , Uchikawa Makoto , Nollet Kenneth E. , Flegel Willy A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSerologic RhD‐negative red cells can cause anti‐D alloimmunization if they carry the Asian‐type DEL or other DEL variants. RHD genotyping is a viable countermeasure if available, but inexpensive alternatives are worthy of consideration. RhD‐negative blood donors in Japan were studied by anti‐D adsorption‐elution and RHD genotyping. We collated published case reports of RhD‐negative red cell transfusions associated with inexplicable anti‐D immunization. Of 2754 serologic RhD‐negative donors, 378 were genotyped D/d. Anti‐D adsorption‐elution revealed 63.5% (240 of 378) to be DEL, of whom 96.7% (232 of 240) had the 1227G > A variant, diagnostic for the Asian‐type DEL. All 240 donors also carried at least one C antigen; none had a cc phenotype. The chance of transfusing DEL red cells to genuinely RhD‐negative Asian patients (based on a three‐unit transfusion) ranges from 16.7% in Korea to 69.4% in Taiwan, versus 0.6% in Germany. Among 22 RhD‐negative recipients of serologic RhD‐negative red cells, who produced new or increased anti‐D antibody titers, all 17 from East Asia were transfused with red cells with a C‐positive phenotype or known to be Asian‐type DEL or both. Serologic RhD‐negative East Asians with a cc phenotype can be red cell donors for RhD‐negative recipients, especially those of childbearing potential.
The “NUTS” statistic: Applying an EBM disease model to defensive medicine
Authors: Allen Robert , Cai Angela G. , Tepler Peter , deSouza Ian S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPhysicians believe that malpractice concerns result in unnecessary testing, and many emergency physicians state that avoiding malpractice is a contributing factor to ordering medically unnecessary tests. Unfortunately, defensive medicine does not come without possible harm to patients who may be subject to non‐beneficial, downstream testing, procedures, and hospitalizations. We submit a novel statistic, “NUTS” or “Number of Unnecessary Tests to avoid one Suit. ” We calculated a NUTS of 4737 for troponin testing in ED patients with suspected myocardial infarction, meaning a clinician will need to order 4737 medically unnecessary troponin tests to avoid one missed myocardial infarction lawsuit. The NUTS framework offers us an evidence‐based lens to examine defensive medicine less superstitiously and more based on currently available data.
Citizens' preferences for development outcomes and governance implications
Authors: Falk Thomas , Vorlaufer Tobias , Brown Lawrence , Domptail Stephanie , Dallimer Martin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPeople's preferences influence national priorities for economic development and ecological integrity. Often policymakers and development agents base their actions on unclear assumptions about such preferences. This paper explores rural citizens' preferences for economic and ecological development outcomes and how they differ within and between communities. We collected data from three purposely selected communities representing dominant social‐ecological systems in the transboundary Cubango‐Okavango River basin in southern Africa. We used contingent ranking survey experiments, which are a novel methodological advance in policy related research. This included a qualitative experimental design process that provided a broad framing underpinning the research. The contingent ranking itself allowed us to simultaneously assess: (i) respondents' priorities for development domains; and (ii) respondents' preferences for the ordering of outcomes in diverse domains. We found relatively strong preference homogeneity within and between communities. Economic development was given high priority across all communities. At the same time, all communities expressed a high preference for a healthy river system providing stable water quality and quantity. This does not mean that our respondents prioritised nature conservation. They showed low preferences for preserving biodiversity and forests that provide fewer local benefits. This is of high governance relevance. The results point at development domains where policymakers can most likely expect stronger buy‐in from citizens. Understanding citizens' preferences help to better align national development priorities with what citizens want.
Developing a multi‐dimensional product evaluation scale
Authors: Tajdini Saeed , Ramirez Edward , Frankwick Gary L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis research develops and validates a scale to assess products on salient characteristics that influence consumers’ decision‐making. The product characteristics (PC) scale assesses products on 12 major dimensions using 34‐items. Next, the paper demonstrates the scale's validity and value in a study of the effects of PC on the consumer information search effort, impulse buying, and word‐of‐mouth behavior, representing different stages of the consumer decision‐making process. The findings highlight the need for a revitalized examination of the consumer decision‐making process with a focus on PC by showing that (1) PC have significant direct effects on a variety of critical marketing outcomes, (2) these effects interact with demographic variables such as age and gender that are currently undergoing major shifts, and (3) these effects vary across offline and online settings. Thus, the findings highlight the value of incorporating PC into models of consumer behavior especially in the current era of shifting demographics and e‐commerce. To this end, this study contributes to the literature by offering a multifaceted, reliable, and valid scale to assess products on a wide range of characteristics that can be used in the study of any marketing‐related phenomena that can be assumed to be product‐contingent.
Thermal lensing‐induced soliton molecules in β‐phase gallium oxide
Authors: Dikandé Alain Moise , Aban Eugene Chenui , Sunda‐Meya Anderson 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn recent years, beta gallium oxide () has become the most investigated isomorph of gallium oxide polymorphs, due to the great potential it represents for applications in optoelectronics and photonics for solar technology, particularly in blind ultraviolet photodetector solar cells (SBUV) designs. To optimize its use in these applications, and to identify possible new features, knowledge of its fundamental properties is relevant. In this respect, optical, thermal and electronic properties of have been studied experimentally, providing evidence of a wide‐band inorganic and transparent semiconductor with a Kerr nonlinearity. Thermo‐optical properties of the material, probed in SBUV sensing experiments, have highlighted a sizable heat diffusion characterized by a temperature gradient along the path of optical beams, quadratic in beam position and promoting a refractive‐index change with temperature. The experimentally observed Kerr nonlinearity together with the thermally induced birefringence, point unambiguously to a possible formation of soliton molecules during propagation of high‐intensity fields in . To put this conjecture on a firm ground we propose a theoretical analysis, based on the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation in 1 + 1 spatial dimension, in which thermal lensing creates an effective potential quadratic in the coordinate of beam position. Using the non‐isospectral inverse‐scattering transform method, the exact one‐soliton solution to the propagation equation is obtained. This solution features a bound state of entangled pulses forming a bright‐soliton molecule, in which pulses are more or less entangled depending on characteristic parameters of the system.