bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical regulation of cortical microtubules in plant cells
Authors: Yan Yu , Sun Zhenping , Yan Pengcheng , Wang Ting , Zhang Yi 
Published: June 2023

SummaryAll living organisms are subjected to mechanical forces at all times. It has been reported that mechanics regulate many key cellular processes, including cell polarity establishment, cell division and gene expression, as a physical signal in both animal and plant development. Plant cells are exposed to several types of mechanical stresses, ranging from turgor‐driven tensile stresses, mechanical force modified by heterogeneous growth directions and rates between neighbouring cells, to forces from the environment such as wind and rain, for which they have developed adaptive mechanisms. Increasing evidence has revealed that mechanical stresses markedly influence the alignment of cortical microtubules (CMTs) in plant cells, among other effects. CMTs are able to reorient in response to mechanical stresses at both the single‐cell and tissue levels and always align with the maximal tensile stress direction. In this review, we discussed the known and potential molecules and pathways involved in the regulation of CMTs by mechanical stresses. We also summarized the available techniques that have allowed for mechanical perturbation. Finally, we highlighted several key questions remaining to be addressed in this emerging field.
From cultivation to culture: Wheat farming and sex selection in China
Authors: Chen Xiangpo , Hu Xinyan , Huang Xuxi , Chen Zhuo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSex selection has been linked to son preference and discrimination against girls in many Asian countries. In this study, we shed light on the shaping role of rice–wheat cropping system to the subsequent gender inequality in China. Using an individual‐level dataset compiled from a national scale survey and an archaeology publication, we show regional differences in gender inequality across China: parents show strong gender discrimination against girls in wheat regions. And 15.2 percentage points more parents from wheat regions engage in successful sex selection than those from non‐wheat regions. The mechanism analysis reveals that women empowerment matters.
Use of a microwave device for the treatment of cellulite and localized fat adiposity: a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Salsi Benedetta , Coli Federica , Ronconi Lara , Fusco Irene , Zingoni Tiziano , Bonan Paolo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe body contour market has grown steadily over the last years, due to the persistent demand for non‐invasive treatments for localized fat adiposities, cellulite, and skin laxity.Materials and MethodsThe purpose of this observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new device delivering microwaves (MWs) energy for unwanted fat and cellulite reduction after a full cycle of treatments and 1 year later. A total of 45 patients with localized adiposity and/or cellulite in different body areas (inner thigh, upper arm, abdomen, culotte de cheval, buttocks), received four treatment sessions, 4 weeks apart. Photographic records and global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) score were performed.ResultsFor the treatment of cellulite the average GAIS score passed from 3.65 ± 0.49 at 1‐month follow‐up (1MFU) to 2.7 ± 0.66 at 1‐year follow‐up (1YFU). For the treatment of localized adiposity, the average GAIS score passed from 3.52 ± 0.51 at 1MFU to 2.82 ± 0.88 at 1YFU. No particular red area was detected either during or after the treatment. There was no mention of assessment of pain or side effects.ConclusionsThe study findings showed that MWs allow for the treatment of cellulite and localized fat adiposity in a safe and effective way, with results lasting over time up to 1 year after the end of the treatment.
Application of high‐performance DIC for a comprehensive evaluation of biaxial fatigue crack growth experiments
Authors: Blug Andreas , Conrad Fabian , Bertz Alexander , Kontermann Christian , Carl Daniel , Oechsner Matthias 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPrecise determination of the remaining service life of technical components requires sufficient knowledge of fatigue crack growth behaviour and the growth rate of defects. Cracks in real components often experience multiaxial far field stresses due to their complex geometry and composite loadings acting on it. Digital image correlation (DIC) is well established for crack length and displacement measurements, but it usually requires sample preparation with speckle paint and interferes with mechanical extensometers. To overcome these limitations, we use a novel 2D DIC system combining a graphics processing unit (GPU) with a CoaXPress 2.0 camera, acquiring up to 3 GB/s of image data. It enables real‐time evaluation of both integral strain like an extensometer and full‐field DIC on images selected automatically in real‐time. This combination enables the use of one single sensor for strain‐controlled testing and fatigue crack growth characterisation. The full‐field displacement is compared to a finite‐element model (FEM) simulating the actual crack contour measured by the DIC system. The results show that high‐performance DIC has the potential to simultaneously simplify crack‐growth experiments and provide comprehensive fracture mechanical information.
Aplikasi Android Pembelajaran Abjad Bahasa Jepun (JingoCat Apps)
Authors: Hamzah Norhasyimah , Mohd Rosli Nor Farah Emilia , Rubani Siti Nur Kamariah , Ariffin Arihasnida , Zakaria Normah 
Published: July 2023

Bahasa asing menjadi salah satu bahasa yang perlu dipelajari oleh pelajar Ijazah Sarjana Muda di Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Kajian ini bertujuan untuk membangunkan satu aplikasi android pembelajaran abjad bahasa jepun aras satu dan dua kepada pelajar UTHM khususnya dan umumnya boleh digunakan kepada mana-mana pengguna yang berminat. Aplikasi ini merupakan pembelajaran awal dalam mempelajari abjad Jepun di samping memudahkan pelajar untuk menguasai huruf Hiragana dan Katakana melalui aplikasi pembelajaran mudah alih berasaskan multimedia. Aplikasi android pembelajaran abjad jepun tahap 1 dan 2 (JingoCat Apps) mempunyai tiga menu utama iaitu Learn, Game dan Review di mana setiap menu mengandungi pembelajaran yang berbeza kandungan. Reka bentuk maklumat adalah berdasarkan Teori Kognitif, Teori Behaviorisme dan Teori Konstruktivisme. Model reka bentuk produk adalah berdasarkan Model Hannafin dan Peck (1988) terdiri daripada fasa Analisis, Reka Bentuk, Pembangunan dan Pengulangan dan Penilaian. Oleh itu, semua fasa akan mengandungi proses penilaian dan menyemak semula setiap fasa. Reka bentuk yang terlibat dalam pembangunan aplikasi JingoCat adalah informasi, interaksi dan antara muka. Penilaian terhadap pakar yang terdiri daripada dua orang pakar dalam bidang Multimedia Kreatif dan dua orang pakar dalam bahasa asing (Bahasa Jepun). Hasil dapatan menunjukkan, keseluruhan pakar bersetuju bahawa reka bentuk informasi, interaksi dan antara muka memenuhi keperluan dan bersesuaian. Kesimpulannya, aplikasi pembelajaran abjad Jepun JingoCat menjadi satu Alat Bahan Bantu Mengajar (ABBM) dan mudah digunakan oleh semua pihak yang memerlukan.
Nonnegative scalar curvature on manifolds with at least two ends
Authors: Cecchini Simone , Räde Daniel , Zeidler Rudolf 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLet be an orientable connected ‐dimensional manifold with and let be a two‐sided closed connected incompressible hypersurface that does not admit a metric of positive scalar curvature (abbreviated by psc). Moreover, suppose that the universal covers of and are either both spin or both nonspin. Using Gromov's ‐bubbles, we show that does not admit a complete metric of psc. We provide an example showing that the spin/nonspin hypothesis cannot be dropped from the statement of this result. This answers, up to dimension 7, a question by Gromov for a large class of cases. Furthermore, we prove a related result for submanifolds of codimension 2. We deduce as special cases that, if does not admit a metric of psc and , then does not carry a complete metric of psc and does not carry a complete metric of uniformly psc, provided that and , respectively. This solves, up to dimension 7, a conjecture due to Rosenberg and Stolz in the case of orientable manifolds.
Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters Obtained From Safflower Oil: A Fully Renewable Biofuel
Authors: Isler-Kaya Asli , Karaosmanoglu Filiz 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
With the aim to obtain a pure renewable second-generation biofuel, transesterification reaction of safflower oil and sugar beet molasses-originated ethanol and usage options as a blend component were investigated. Depleting fossil fuels, increasing fossil fuel prices, and fossil fuel-related emissions are significant global problems. The progress in pure bio-based and safer fuels gains importance to figure out these problems. Biodiesel is an excellent fuel candidate that can substitute conventional diesel fuel. For its production, fatty acid methyl esters were primarily proposed. However, with their many advantages, ethyl esters have come to the fore because of environmental and technical issues. Thus, using a by-product originated bioethanol as alcohol and safflower oil as a nonedible raw material would further enhance the renewability and sustainability of one of the second-generation biofuels. This article studied the transesterification reaction of safflower oil with sugar-beet molasses-originated bioethanol. The effects of the safflower oil:ethanol (mole:mole) ratio, catalyst amount, and temperature on the ester content were individually investigated. The fuel properties of safflower oil ethyl ester and 2%, 5%, and 7% v/v safflower oil ethyl ester-blended diesel and rural diesel fuels were determined according to the standards. The main advantages of ethyl ester addition to diesel fuel include the increase in flash point and the decrease in the sulfur content. However, some additives should improve some properties (cold filter plugging point and oxidation stability).
Targeted gene deletions in the dimorphic fungal pathogen
Histoplasma
using an optimized episomal CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Rappleye Chad A. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

The rapid development of CRISPR/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems has revolutionized the ability to produce genetic mutations in a desired locus, particularly in organisms with low rates of homologous recombination.
Histoplasma
is an important respiratory and systemic fungal pathogen that has few reverse genetic options. We describe an optimized CRISPR/Cas system for the efficient generation of mutations in desired genes. The limited requirements for CRISPR/Cas, namely a gene-targeting guide RNA (gRNA) and expression of a Cas endonuclease, enabled both the gRNA and the
Streptococcus pyogenes
Cas9 gene to be expressed from a single episomal vector. The gRNAs are expressed from a strong Pol(II) promoter, a critical parameter for increasing the recovery of mutated genes, and processed into the mature gRNA by ribozymes in the mRNA. Expression of dual-tandem gRNAs facilitates the generation of gene deletions at a good frequency which can be detected by PCR-based screening of pooled isolates resulting in the isolation of marker-less deletion mutants. The CRISPR/Cas system is encoded on an episomal telomeric vector facilitating curing strains of the CRISPR/Cas vector upon generation of the mutant. We demonstrate the successful application of this CRISPR/Cas system in diverse
Histoplasma
species and applicable for multiple genes. The optimized system shows promise for accelerating reverse genetic studies in
Histoplasma
spp.

IMPORTANCE

The ability to eliminate gene product functions is central to understanding molecular mechanisms. In the fungal pathogen
Histoplasma
, methods to inactivate or deplete gene products are inefficient, which hampers progress in defining
Histoplasma
’s virulence mechanisms. We describe an efficient CRISPR/Cas-based system for generating gene deletions in
Histoplasma
and show its validation on multiple genes with selectable and non-selectable phenotypes.
Transcriptome-guided metabolic network analysis reveals rearrangements of carbon flux distribution in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
during neutrophil co-culture
Authors: Potter Aimee D. , Baiocco Christopher M. , Papin Jason A. , Criss Alison K. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

The ability of bacterial pathogens to metabolically adapt to the environmental conditions of their hosts is critical to both colonization and invasive disease. Infection with
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(the gonococcus, Gc) is characterized by the influx of neutrophils [polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)], which fail to clear the bacteria and make antimicrobial products that can exacerbate tissue damage. The inability of the human host to clear Gc infection is particularly concerning in light of the emergence of strains that are resistant to all clinically recommended antibiotics. Bacterial metabolism represents a promising target for the development of new therapeutics against Gc. Here, we generated a curated genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction (GENRE) of Gc strain FA1090. This GENRE links genetic information to metabolic phenotypes and predicts Gc biomass synthesis and energy consumption. We validated this model with published data and in new results reported here. Contextualization of this model using the transcriptional profile of Gc exposed to PMNs revealed substantial rearrangements of Gc central metabolism and induction of Gc nutrient acquisition strategies for alternate carbon source use. These features enhanced the growth of Gc in the presence of neutrophils. From these results, we conclude that the metabolic interplay between Gc and PMNs helps define infection outcomes. The use of transcriptional profiling and metabolic modeling to reveal new mechanisms by which Gc persists in the presence of PMNs uncovers unique aspects of metabolism in this fastidious bacterium, which could be targeted to block infection and thereby reduce the burden of gonorrhea in the human population.

IMPORTANCE
The World Health Organization designated Gc as a high-priority pathogen for research and development of new antimicrobials. Bacterial metabolism is a promising target for new antimicrobials, as metabolic enzymes are widely conserved among bacterial strains and are critical for nutrient acquisition and survival within the human host. Here we used genome-scale metabolic modeling to characterize the core metabolic pathways of this fastidious bacterium and to uncover the pathways used by Gc during culture with primary human immune cells. These analyses revealed that Gc relies on different metabolic pathways during co-culture with human neutrophils than in rich media. Conditionally essential genes emerging from these analyses were validated experimentally. These results show that metabolic adaptation in the context of innate immunity is important to Gc pathogenesis. Identifying the metabolic pathways used by Gc during infection can highlight new therapeutic targets for drug-resistant gonorrhea.
Supplemental Material: Reconstructing the paleoenvironment of an oxygenated Mesoproterozoic shoreline and its record of life
Authors: Slotznick Sarah P. , al. et 
Published: June 2023

<p>Figure S1: Low-temperature rock magnetic experiment data for Facies 1 specimens. Figure S2: Low-temperature rock magnetic experiment data for Facies 2 specimens. Figure S3: Low-temperature rock magnetic experiment data for Facies 3 specimens. Figure S4: Cross-plots of rock magnetic parameters delineating magnetic facies. Figure S5: Petrographic data from PC-1 and PRF18. Figure S6: Rock magnetic data from core WPB4. Figure S7: XRD data from bulk specimens. Figure S8: XRD data from clay peels. Figure S9: XRD minerals versus iron speciation oxalate extraction. Figure S10: Thermal demagnetization data for specimen with “mht” component. Figure S11: Inclination shallowing correction applied to Nonesuch paleomagnetic data. Figure S12: Example images of categorized organic material. Figure S13: Provisional palynomorph taxa in stratigraphic context. Table S1: Mean paleomagnetic poles for the Nonesuch Formation. Table S2: Nonesuch rock magnetic data. Table S3: Summary of palynological data. </p>
SMARCA4mutation causes human otosclerosis and a similar phenotype in mice
Authors: Drabkin Max , Jean Matan M , Noy Yael , Halperin Daniel , Yogev Yuval , Wormser Ohad , Proskorovski-Ohayon Regina , Dolgin Vadim , Levaot Noam , Brumfeld Vlad , Ovadia Shira , Kishner Mor , Kazenell Udi , Avraham Karen B , Shelef Ilan , Birk Ohad S 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundOtosclerosis is a common cause of adult-onset progressive hearing loss, affecting 0.3%–0.4% of the population. It results from dysregulation of bone homeostasis in the otic capsule, most commonly leading to fixation of the stapes bone, impairing sound conduction through the middle ear. Otosclerosis has a well-known genetic predisposition including familial cases with apparent autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. While linkage analysis and genome-wide association studies suggested an association with several genomic loci and with genes encoding structural proteins involved in bone formation or metabolism, the molecular genetic pathophysiology of human otosclerosis is yet mostly unknown.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing, linkage analysis, generation of CRISPR mutant mice, hearing tests and micro-CT.ResultsThrough genetic studies of kindred with seven individuals affected by apparent autosomal dominant otosclerosis, we identified a disease-causing variant inSMARCA4, encoding a key component of the PBAF chromatin remodelling complex. We generated CRISPR-Cas9 transgenic mice carrying the human mutation in the mouseSMARCA4orthologue. MutantSmarca4+/E1548Kmice exhibited marked hearing impairment demonstrated through acoustic startle response and auditory brainstem response tests. Isolated ossicles of the auditory bullae of mutant mice exhibited a highly irregular structure of the incus bone, and their in situ micro-CT studies demonstrated the anomalous structure of the incus bone, causing disruption in the ossicular chain.ConclusionWe demonstrate that otosclerosis can be caused by a variant inSMARCA4, with a similar phenotype of hearing impairment and abnormal bone formation in the auditory bullae in transgenic mice carrying the human mutation in the mouseSMARCA4orthologue.
Association of choroid plexus volume with motor symptoms and dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jeong Seong Ho , Park Chae Jung , Jeong Hyun-Jae , Sunwoo Mun Kyung , Ahn Sung Soo , Lee Seung-Koo , Lee Phil Hyu , Kim Yun Joong , Sohn Young Ho , Chung Seok Jong 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThe choroid plexus (CP) is involved in the clearance of harmful metabolites from the brain, as a part of the glymphatic system. This study aimed to investigate the association between CP volume (CPV), nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration and motor outcomes in Parkinson’s disease (PD).MethodsWe retrospectively searched drug-naïve patients with early-stage PD who underwent dopamine transporter (DAT) scanning and MRI. Automatic CP segmentation was performed, and the CPV was calculated. The relationship between CPV, DAT availability and Unified PD Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS-III) scores was assessed using multivariate linear regression. We performed longitudinal analyses to assess motor outcomes according to CPV.ResultsCPV was negatively associated with DAT availability in each striatal subregion (anterior caudate, β=−0.134, p=0.012; posterior caudate, β=−0.162, p=0.002; anterior putamen, β=−0.133, p=0.024; posterior putamen, β=−0.125, p=0.039; ventral putamen, β=−0.125, p=0.035), except for the ventral striatum. CPV was positively associated with the UPDRS-III score even after adjusting for DAT availability in the posterior putamen (β=0.121; p=0.035). A larger CPV was associated with the future development of freezing of gait in the Cox regression model (HR 1.539, p=0.027) and a more rapid increase in dopaminergic medication in the linear mixed model (CPV×time, p=0.037), but was not associated with the risk of developing levodopa-induced dyskinesia or wearing off.ConclusionThese findings suggest that CPV has the potential to serve as a biomarker for baseline and longitudinal motor disabilities in PD.
How does Canada’s new vitamin D fortification policy affect the high prevalence of inadequate intake of the vitamin?
Authors: Vatanparast Hassan , Longworth Zoe L 
Published: June 2023

Health Canada’s new vitamin D fortification policy intends to promote bone health and reduce inadequacies by essentially doubling the mandatory fortification in margarine and cow’s milk. Using 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey data, we modelled the population-level impact of this policy. Among supplement non-consumers, the policy resulted in significant reductions of inadequacies across all population groups; however, 76% of Canadians were still below the estimated average requirement (10 µg/day or 400 IU/day). Among supplement consumers, no significant changes were found. Therefore, the fortification policy may benefit Canadians not taking supplements, although it alone cannot eliminate population-level vitamin D inadequacies and supplementation should be promoted. Take-home message The 2023 vitamin D fortification policy may significantly reduce inadequacies in non-supplement consumers; however, the policy is far from eliminating population-level vitamin D inadequacies and supplementation should still be encouraged.
Spatial and temporal harvest risk to polar bears in the Canadian Beaufort Sea
Authors: Hamilton Stephen G. , Henderson Erin M. , Derocher Andrew E. 
Published: June 2023

Subsistence harvest in Arctic marine ecosystems is influenced by sea ice conditions affecting species distributions, abundance, and accessibility. We tracked 78 polar bears ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) of different age, sex, and reproductive classes via satellite telemetry in the Canadian Beaufort Sea (2007–2014, n = 71 258). We assessed vulnerability to harvest (no/low/medium/high) based on telemetry data overlap with density of historical harvest locations (1985–1987, n = 121). All classes of polar bears were detected in historical harvest areas of low to high risk in greater proportion than expected from available area during the harvest period (January to ice breakup), and all but solitary adult females had >50% of locations in the risk areas. Subadult males were proportionally more often inside risk areas yet were not observed in the high-risk areas. Other classes were observed <1% of the time in high-risk areas yet still proportionally greater than expected from available area. Landfast ice has declined in the pre-melt (January–March) and end-of-harvest (June–July) seasons (1980–2021), with the rate of decline being greater in lower-risk areas ( p ≤ 0.05). With sea ice predicted to decline in the future, we suggest that polar bears in the Beaufort Sea may become more concentrated into areas of higher harvest risk.