bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laser Microdissection Transcriptome Data Derived Gene Regulatory Networks of Developing Rice Endosperm Revealed Tissue- and Stage-specific Regulators Modulating Starch Metabolism
Authors: Ishimaru Tsutomu , Parween Sabiha , Saito Yuhi , Masumura Takehiro , Kondo Motohiko , Sreenivas Nese 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) filial seed tissues are heterozygous in its function, which accumulate distinct storage compounds spatially in starchy endosperm and aleurone. In this study, we identified the 18 tissue- and stage-specific gene co-regulons in the developing endosperm by isolating four fine tissues dorsal aleurone layer (AL), central starchy endosperm (CSE), dorsal starchy endosperm (DSE), and lateral starchy endosperm (LSE) at two developmental stages (7 days after flowering, DAF and 12DAF) using laser microdissection (LM) coupled with gene expression analysis of a 44K microarray. The derived co-expression regulatory networks depict that distinct set of starch biosynthesis genes expressed preferentially at first in CSE at 7 DAF and extend its spatial expression to LSE and DSE by 12 DAF. Interestingly, along with the peak of starch metabolism we noticed accumulation of transcripts related to phospholipid and glycolipid metabolism in CSE during 12 DAF. The spatial distribution of starch accumulation in distinct zones of starchy endosperm contains specific transcriptional factors and hormonal-regulated genes. Genes related to programmed cell death (PCD) were specifically expressed in CSE at 12DAF, when starch accumulation was already completed in that tissue. The aleurone layer present in the outermost endosperm accumulates transcripts of lipid, tricarboxylic acid metabolism, several transporters, while starch metabolism and PCD is not pronounced. These regulatory cascades are likely to play a critical role in determining the positional fate of cells and offer novel insights into the molecular physiological mechanisms of endosperm development from early to middle storage phase.
Dynamics of natural infection by Toxoplasma gondii in goat herds in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Sousa Larissa Nascimento , Batista Samira Pereira , Silva Samara Santos , Silva Rômulo Fylipe , Sarmento Wlysse Ferreira , Mota Rinaldo Aparecido , Brasil Arthur Willian Lima , Amaku Marcos , Feitosa Thais Ferreira , Vilela Vinícius Longo Ribeiro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to describe the transmission of T. gondii in naturally infected goats in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil, through evaluating the serological status of these animals from one to 12 months of age. Seven goat farms were selected. During the first visit, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied. Blood samples were collected from pregnant goats and from their female offspring every month, to monitor them for anti-T. gondii antibodies, using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Out of 66 pregnant goats evaluated, 47% (31/66) (95% CI: 34.6% − 59.7%) were positive and out of 93 female offspring, 61.3% (57/93) (95% CI: 52.4% − 69.2%) were positive, in at least one month during the evaluation period. Among the positive female offspring, 43.3% (27/57) (95% CI: 39.7% − 56.9%) presented environmental infection and 56.7% (30/57) (95% CI: 43.4% − 66.3 %) probably had only colostral antibodies or vertical transmission. It was observed that 92,6% (25/27) from environmental infections occurred until reproductive age (six months) (p < 0.0001). It was also noted that there is a correlation between the titration of mothers and offspring, until four months of age (p < 0.0001). Large fluctuations in the presence of antibodies were observed among the animals over the months monitored. It can be concluded that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies within the herds was greater than what has been expressed in specific prevalence studies and that most sheep become infected up to the six months of life in the studied area.
Noninvasive Detection of Elevated ICP Using Spontaneous Tympanic Membrane Pulsation
Authors: Dhar Rajkumar , Sandler Richard H , Manwaring Kim , Kostick Nathan , Mansy Hansen A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hydrocephalus may lead to intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation, which can result in severe headaches, blurred vision, moving or talking problems, seizures and even death. Due to these potential risks, prompt medical attention and reliable monitoring would be needed when elevated ICP is suspected. Current diagnosis methods rely on direct pressure measurement, while CT, MRI and other expensive imaging may be used. However, these invasive or expensive testing methods are often delayed because the above symptoms are non-specific. In addition, invasive methods, such as intraventricular catheter, subdural screw, epidural sensor, lumbar puncture, are associated with an increased risk of infection and hemorrhage. On the other hand, noninvasive, low-cost, accurate methods of ICP monitoring can help avoid risks and reduce costs while expediting diagnosis and treatment. The current study proposes and evaluates a novel method for noninvasive ICP monitoring using tympanic membrane pulsation (TMp). These signals are believed to be transmitted from ICP to the auditory system through the cochlear aqueduct. Fifteen healthy subjects were recruited and TMp signals were acquired noninvasively while the subjects performed maneuvers that are known to change ICP. When elevated ICP was induced, significant TMp waveform morphological changes were observed in each subject (p < 0.01). These changes include certain waveform slopes and high frequency wave features. The observed changes were reversed by the maneuvers that decreased ICP (p <.01). The study results suggest that TMp waveform measurement and analysis may offer an inexpensive, noninvasive, accurate tool for detection and monitoring of ICP elevations. Further studies are warranted to validate this technique in patients with pathologically elevated ICP.
Spinous Process Combined with a Titanium Mesh Cage as a Bone Graft in the Stability Reconstruction of Lumbar or Lumbosacral Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Zhang Hongqi , Xiao Lige , Tang mingxing , Yang Guanteng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background. To investigate the clinical efficacy of one-stage posterior debridement using the spinous process (SP) combined with titanium mesh cages (TMCs) as interbody grafts for the treatment of single-segment lumbar or lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis.Methods. From 2010 to 2018, 69 patients who underwent one-stage posterior debridement using grafts and internal fixation within a single lumbar or lumbosacral segment were included in this study. 12 cases using the SP combined with a TMC (SP+TMC, group A), 30 cases using a TMC only (group B), and 27 cases using allografts (group C) were included. Measurements including operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), American Spinal Injury Association Impairment (ASIA) grade, final follow-up (FFU) duration and postoperative complications were recorded. Radiological measurements, including the number of segments fixated, the number of pedicle screws used, the Cobb angle, pelvic parameters, and the bony fusion time, were reviewed. All outcomes were analysed using SPSS 25.Results. We found that group A had fewer fixation segments (1.67±0.64 vs 2.81±0.94, pAC<0.01), fewer pedicle screws implanted (5.05±1.29 vs 6.85±1.37, pAC<0.01), a shorter operative time (166.43±44.11 min vs 205.93±51.73 min, pAC<0.01), reduced blood loss (543.81±230.81 ml vs 803.70±446.78 ml, pAC<0.01), and a strikingly lower hospital cost (14710.42±2354.55$ vs 19260.34±3310.75$, pAC<0.01) than group C.Compared to group B, group A had a lower economic cost (16680.23±3614.73$ vs 14710.42±2354.55$, pAB=0.03). There was no significant difference in bony fusion time among the three groups (8.90 ±2.11 months vs 8.60±2.39 months vs 9.59 ±2.04 months, p>0.01). No significant difference was observed with respect to pre- or postoperative ESR and CRP (p>0.01). There was no significant difference among the 3 groups with respect to the ODI, VAS score or ASIA grade during any period. No differences regarding the hospital stay, rate of complications, loss of PI-LL, correction or loss of Cobb angle were observed among the three groups (p>0.01).Conclusion. Our study demonstrates that compared to a TMC or allograft, the use of the SP combined with a TMC as a bone graft is an effective and reliable approach for the surgical management of one-level lumbar or lumbosacral spinal tuberculosis, leading to good restoration of spinal stability. Furthermore, this approach is an economical structural bone grafting method, especially for patients in developing countries or areas.
Modeling and Analyzing of Nonlinear Dynamics for Linear Guide Slide Platform Considering Assembly Error
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Xu Mengtao , Zhang Hongzhuang , Li Changyou , Yao Guo , Miao Huihui , Wang Chenyu , Zhang Yimin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this study, a novel five degrees-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic model of linear guide slide platform is proposed, the model considers the effect of assembly error. The assembly errors are modeled as five types including: straightness assembly errors along x and y axes and rotation assembly error around x, y and z axes. The assembly error induced displacement of platform is considered. The restoring force and moment of the carriages is equal to zero when no dynamic or static load applied on the platform with considering the influence of assembly error. The influence of assembly error on the static and dynamic characteristics are investigated. The results indicate that the assembly error can cause uneven load distribution, change the dynamics of the system. In addition, the stability of the system cannot be improved by simply increasing the preload. Moreover, a series of experiments are conducted on a specialized platform to estimate the parameters of the system and verify the proposed model.
Active turbulence in microswimmer suspensions | the role of active hydrodynamic stress and volume exclusion
Authors: Qi Kai , Westphal Elmar , Gompper Gerhard , Winkler Roland 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Microswimmers exhibit an intriguing, highly-dynamic collective motion with large-scale swirling and streaming patterns, denoted as active turbulence — reminiscent of classical high-Reynolds-number hydrodynamic turbulence. Various experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches have been applied to elucidate similarities and differences to inertial hydrodynamic and active turbulence. These studies reveal a wide spectrum of possible structural and dynamical behaviors of active mesoscale systems, not necessarily consistent with the predictions of the Kolmogorov-Kraichnan theory of turbulence. We use squirmers embedded in a mesoscale fluid, modeled by the multiparticle collision dynamics (MPC) approach, to explore the collective behavior of bacteria-type microswimmers. Our model includes the active hydrodynamic stress generated by propulsion, and a rotlet dipole characteristic for flagellated bacteria. We find emergent clusters, activity-induced phase separation, and swarming, depending on density, active stress, and the rotlet dipole strength. The analysis of the squirmer dynamics in the swarming phase yields Kolomogorov-Kraichnan-type hydrodynamic turbulence and energy spectra for sufficiently high concentrations and strong rotlet dipoles. This emphasizes the paramount importance of the hydrodynamic flow field for swarming and bacterial turbulence.
Joint Interactions of Graphene and Benzo[a]pyrene With Pulmonary Surfactant
Authors: Yue Tongtao , Lv Rujie , Xu Dongfang , Xu Yan , Liu Lu , Dai Yanhui , Zhao Jian , Xing Baoshan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Airborne nanoparticles can be inhaled and deposit in human alveoli, where pulmonary surfactant (PS) molecules line at the alveolar air-water interface to act as the first barrier against inhaled nanoparticles entering the body. Although considerable efforts have been made to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-PS interactions, our understanding on this important issue is limited due to the high complexity of the atmosphere, in which nanoparticles are believed to experience transformations that remarkably change the nanoparticles’ surface properties and states. By contrast with bare nanoparticles that have been extensively studied, relatively little is known about the interactions between PS and inhaled nanoparticles which already adsorb contaminants. In this combined experimental and computational effort, we investigate the joint interactions between PS and graphene with coexisting benzo[a]pyrene (BaP).Results: Depending on the BaP concentration and molecular agglomeration, different nanocomposite structures are formed via BaPs adsorption on graphene. Upon deposition of graphene carrying BaPs at the pulmonary surfactant (PS) layer, competition of interactions between different components determines the interfacial processes including BaP solubilization, graphene translocation and PS perturbation. Importantly, BaP adsorbed on graphene is solubilized to increase its bioavailability and inhibit the PS biophysical function. Translocation of graphene across the PS layer is facilitated by BaP adsorption through segregating it from contact with PS, while translocation of graphene oxide is suppressed due to increase of the surface hydrophobicity. Graphene extracts PS molecules from the layer, and the resultant PS depletion declines with graphene oxidation and BaP adsorption.Conclusion: Graphene showed high capacity of adsorbing BaPs to form nanocomposites, which were inhaled and deposit in alveoli, where competition of interactions between different components determined the interfacial processes of BaP solubilization, graphene translocation and PS perturbation.
Monitoring of Polymer Type and Plastic Additives in Coating Film of Beer Cans From 16 Countries
Authors: Nurlatifah  , NAKATA Haruhiko 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Plastic debris has gained attention as anthropogenic waste in the environment, but less concerned given to metal waste despite its high abundance in aquatic environment. Metal packaging, such as can, utilizes polymeric coating films as barrier between metals and products which leads to be potential source of microplastic pollution. In this study, 27 beer cans from 16 countries for both body and lid parts as well as inside and outside layers were investigated. Despite the country’s origin, epoxy resin was the major polymeric coating used in all beer cans for lid (inside and outside) and body (inside). Whereas poly(1,2-butanediol isophthalate) was frequently used for outside layer of can body. Marketing countries turned out not specify the amount of additives used in can. DEHP and BHT were detected in almost all samples with the highest concentration of 5,300 ng/g and 520 ng/g. Despite its lower detection frequency, DOA was detected as high as 9,600 ng/g in Belgian beer can. Although being broken down, additives concentration in one environmental sample was found to be one to two orders of magnitude higher compared to the new can. This result suggests that metal debris may become source of microplastic and additives in the environment.
Health Behaviors and Tooth Retention among Older Adults in China: Findings from the 4th Chinese National Oral Health Survey
Authors: Ou Xiaoyan , Zeng Liwei , Zeng Yixuan , Pei Yaolin , Zhang Xiujuan , Wu Wei , Siamdoust Shahrzad , Wu Bei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

This study aimed to examine the association between oral health behaviors and tooth retention among Chinese older adults.
Methods

Data were used from the 4th Chinese National Oral Health Survey, a nationally representative sample. The sample included 9054 older adults aged 55 to 74. A chi-square test was used for univariate analysis. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to explore the association between health behaviors and the number of remaining teeth.
Results

The average number of remaining teeth in the sample was 24.4 ± 7.8. There was a higher proportion of residents living in urban areas with ≥ 20 teeth than rural residents (83.2% vs 79.4%, χ2 = 20.862, p = 0.000); and a higher proportion of individuals with high education levels with ≥ 20 teeth compared to those with low education levels (χ2 = 148.168, P = 0.000). Logistic regression models showed that older adults who used toothpicks (OR = 3.37, 95% CI: 2.94–3.85), dental floss (OR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.05–3.53), toothpaste (OR = 3.89, 95%CI: 3.14–4.83); and never smoked (OR = 1.43 95%CI: 1.20–1.70) were more likely to retain 20 or more natural teeth; whereas older adults who had a dental visit were less likely to retain 20 or more natural teeth (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.39-052).
Conclusion

This study did not find the association between frequency of tooth brushing and tooth retention. This study demonstrates that improvement of oral hygiene and preventive dental care are key for good oral health.
Polymorphism Analysis of pfmdr1 Gene in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates 11 Years Post-adoption of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M. , Madkhali Aymen M. , Abdulhaq Ahmed A. , Atroosh Wahib M. , Ghzwani Ahmad Hassn , Zain Khalid Ammash , Ghailan Khalid Y. , Hamali Hassan A. , Mobarki Abdullah A. , Alharazi Talal H. , Eisa Zaki M. , Lau Yee-Ling 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A total of 227 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia were amplified for the P. falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene to detect point mutations 11 years after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Saudi Arabia. The pfmdr1 86Y mutation was found in 11.5% (26/227) of the isolates while the N86 wild allele was detected in 88.5%. Moreover, 184F point mutations dominated (86.3%) the instances of pfmdr1 polymorphism while no mutation was observed at codons 1034, 1042 and 1246. Three pfmdr1 haplotypes were identified, NFSND (74.9%), NYSND (13.7%) and YFSND (11.4%). Associations of the prevalence of 86Y mutation and YFSND haplotype with participants’ nationality, residency and parasitaemia level were found to be significant (P < 0.05). The findings revealed significant decline in the prevalence of the pfmdr1 86Y mutation in P. falciparum isolates from Jazan region over a decade after the implementation of ACT treatment. Moreover, the high prevalence of the NFSND haplotype might be indicative of the potential emergence of CQ-sensitive but artemether-lumefantrine-resistant P. falciparum strains since the adoption of ACT. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in Jazan region is highly recommended.
Study on Partial Discharge Characteristics of C6F12O Mixed Gas
Authors: Rao Xiajin , Li Dajian , Xia Xiaofei , Su Yi , Lu Yufeng , Peng Boya 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The greenhouse effect of SF6 increasingly limits its application in various gas insulated equipment. C6F12O combines the advantages of insulation resistance, safety and environmental protection. When mixed with buffer gas, C6F12O is considered to have potential application prospects in medium and low voltage equipment. In this paper, about the partial discharge characteristics of the mixed gas, an experimental study was carried out. The partial discharge initiation voltage and discharge extinction voltage of mixed gas under power frequency voltage are measured and compared with the breakdown voltage. The results show that with the increase of mixing ratio, the partial discharge initiation voltage and extinction voltage of mixed gas gradually increase, and the effect of gas pressure on high mixing ratio is obvious. The difference between the partial discharge inception voltage and the breakdown voltage is larger than that of pure N2. The research in this paper can provide an important reference for the application, operation and protection of C6F12O mixed gas in medium and low voltage equipment.
Electrically controlled spin polarized current in Dirac semimetals
Authors: Lv Qianqian , Fu Pei-Hao , Yu Xiang-Long , Liu Jun-Feng , Wu Jiansheng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We propose a highly tunable 100% spin-polarized current generated in a spintronics device based on Dirac semimetal under a magnetic field, which can be achieved merely by controlling electric parameters, i.e. the gate voltage, the barrier in the lead and the coupling strength between the leads and Dirac semimetal. These parameters are all related to the special properties of Dirac semimetal and Weyl semimetal. The spin polarized current generated by gate voltage is guaranteed by its semimetallic feature, because of which the density of state vanishes near Dirac nodes. The barrier controlled current results from the different distance of Weyl nodes generated by the Zeeman field. And the coupling strength controlled spin polarized current originate from the surface Fermi arcs. All these features make a great potential to realized Dirac semimetal based spintronic devices.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TGFβRII Disruption Enhances Anti-tumor Efficacy of Human Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Vitro
Authors: Alishah Khadijeh , Birtel Matthias , Masoumi Elham , Jafarzadeh Leila , Mirzaee Hamid Reza , Hadjati Jamshid , Voss Ralf-Holger , Diken Mustafa , Asad Sedighe 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: CAR T-cell therapy has been recently unveiled as one of the most promising cancer therapies in hematological malignancies. However, solid tumors mount a profound line of defense to escape immunosurveillance by CAR T-cells. Among them, cytokines with an inhibitory impact on the immune system such as IL-10 and TGFβ are of great importance: TGFβ is a pleiotropic cytokine, which potently suppresses the immune system and is secreted by a couple of TME resident and tumor cells. Methods: In this study, we hypothesized that knocking out the TGFβ receptor II gene, could improve CAR T-cell functions in vitro and in vivo. Hereby, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system, to knockout the TGFβRII gene in T-cells and could monitor the efficient gene knock out by genome analysis techniques. Next, Mesothelin or Claudin 6 specific CAR constructs were overexpressed via IVT-RNA electroporation or retroviral transduction and the poly-functionality of these TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells in terms of proliferation, cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity were assessed and compared with parental CAR T-cells.Results: Our experiments demonstrated that TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells fully retained their capabilities in killing tumor antigen positive target cells and more intriguingly, could resist the anti-proliferative effect of exogenous TGFβ in vitro outperforming wild type CAR T-cells. Noteworthy, no antigen or growth factor-independent proliferation of these TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells has been recorded. TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells also resisted the suppressive effect of induced regulatory T-cells in vitro to a larger extent. Repetitive antigen stimulation demonstrated that these TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells will experience less activation induced exhaustion in comparison to the WT counterpart. Conclusion: The TGFβRII KO approach may become an indispensable tool in immunotherapy of solid tumors, as it may surmount one of the key negative regulatory signaling pathways in T-cells.