bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Harbinger transposon‐derived gene PANDA epigenetically coordinates panicle number and grain size in rice
Authors: Mao Donghai , Tao Shentong , Li Xin , Gao Dongying , Tang Mingfeng , Liu Chengbing , Wu Dan , Bai Liangli , He Zhankun , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Lei , Zhu Yuxing , Zhang Dechun , Zhang Wenli , Chen Caiyan 
Published: March 2022

SummaryTransposons significantly contribute to genome fractions in many plants. Although numerous transposon‐related mutations have been identified, the evidence regarding transposon‐derived genes regulating crop yield and other agronomic traits is very limited. In this study, we characterized a rice Harbinger transposon‐derived gene called PANICLE NUMBER AND GRAIN SIZE (PANDA), which epigenetically coordinates panicle number and grain size. Mutation of PANDA caused reduced panicle number but increased grain size in rice, while transgenic plants overexpressing this gene showed the opposite phenotypic change. The PANDA‐encoding protein can bind to the core polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) components OsMSI1 and OsFIE2, and regulates the deposition of H3K27me3 in the target genes, thereby epigenetically repressing their expression. Among the target genes, both OsMADS55 and OsEMF1 were negative regulators of panicle number but positive regulators of grain size, partly explaining the involvement of PANDA in balancing panicle number and grain size. Moreover, moderate overexpression of PANDA driven by its own promoter in the indica rice cultivar can increase grain yield. Thus, our findings present a novel insight into the epigenetic control of rice yield traits by a Harbinger transposon‐derived gene and provide its potential application for rice yield improvement.
Attention impedes neural representation of interpolated orientation during perceptual completion
Authors: Mo Ce , Zhang Shijia , Lu Junshi , Yu Mengxia , Yao Yujie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOne of the most remarkable functional feats accomplished by visual system is the interpolation of missing retinal inputs based on surrounding information, a process known as perceptual completion. Perceptual completion enables the active construction of coherent, vivid percepts from spatially discontinuous visual information that is prevalent in real‐life visual scenes. Despite mounting evidence linking sensory activity enhancement and perceptual completion, surprisingly little is known about whether and how attention, a fundamental modulator of sensory activities, affects perceptual completion. Using EEG‐based time‐resolved inverted encoding model (IEM), we reconstructed the moment‐to‐moment representation of the illusory grating that resulted from spatially interpolating the orientation of surrounding inducers. We found that, despite manipulation of observers' attentional focus, the illusory grating representation unfolded in time in a similar manner. Critically, attention to the surrounding inducers simultaneously attenuated the illusory grating representation and delayed its temporal development. Our findings disclosed, for the first time, the suppressive role of selective attention in perceptual completion and were suggestive of a fast, automatic neural machinery that implements the interpolation of missing visual information.
Non‐classical crystallization of very high magnesium calcite and magnesite in the Coorong Lakes, Australia
Authors: Raudsepp Maija J. , Wilson Sasha , Morgan Bree , Patel Avni , Johnston Scott G. , Gagen Emma J. , Fallon Stewart J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Coorong Lakes, South Australia, are one of the models for unravelling the ‘Dolomite Problem’. Critically, today only a few modern environments remain where large quantities of very high magnesium calcite (VHMC; Ca0.5Mg0.5CO3; also described as protodolomite or disordered dolomite) and magnesite (MgCO3) precipitate. Previously conducted laboratory studies demonstrate that carbonate minerals can precipitate via classical and non‐classical crystallization pathways. This study uses the preserved crystal sizes, morphologies and microstructures of Ca–Mg carbonates in the Coorong Lakes (Milne Lake, Pellet Lake and North Stromatolite Lake) to evaluate which crystallization pathway most likely occurred. In the fine‐grained sediments of these lakes, very high magnesium calcite and magnesite occur as aggregate particles of nanocrystals (<100 nm). Rietveld refinements using X‐ray diffraction data give modelled Lvol–IB crystallite size values of <120 nm for all carbonates. Transmission electron microscopy shows that, within VHMC and magnesite particles, nanocrystals have an almost identical orientation of their crystal lattice fringes. This is morphologically similar to Ca–Mg carbonates formed via an amorphous carbonate precursor in non‐classical crystallization laboratory experiments. Precipitation of carbonate minerals via an amorphous‐to‐crystalline pathway requires the water to be supersaturated relative to both crystalline and amorphous phases. In the Coorong Lakes, surface water likely only becomes supersaturated relative to amorphous carbonate phases in the late summer after extensive evaporation. Observations suggest that VHMC and dolomite do not directly precipitate from bulk modern seawater, despite oversaturation relative to the crystalline phases, because seawater is undersaturated with respect to amorphous calcium magnesium carbonate, thus limiting the precipitation through a non‐classical crystallization pathway.
Immunohistochemical staining of immunoglobulin G in healthy equine, canine, and feline corneas
Authors: Herb Verena Maria , Url Angelika , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveEstablishing an immunohistochemical approach for semi‐quantitative assessment of the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in equine, canine, and feline corneas.ProceduresHealthy corneas of horses, dogs, and cats, euthanized because of a fatal disease or an unrecoverable trauma unrelated to and without a history of ophthalmic disease were formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded, and determined to be pathomorphologically healthy by light microscopy. Automated immunohistochemistry was performed using primary antibodies against IgG, biotin‐conjugated secondary antibodies, and streptavidin‐peroxidase, as well as diaminobenzidine for visualization. After counterstaining with hematoxylin, epithelium, stroma, Descemet´s membrane (DM), and endothelium were semi‐quantitatively scored for the presence of IgG on a 4‐grade scale (0 = no, 1 = faint, 2 = medium, 3 = strong staining) by light microscopy.ResultsCorneal specimens of 20 horses (40 eyes) with a median age of 15.5 years (range 2–31 years), 12 dogs (21 eyes) with a median age of 10.0 years (range 4–16), and 13 cats (24 eyes) with a median age of 10.0 years (range 2–18) were included in the study. Different sexes and breeds were represented. In all corneas (100%), significant medium signal intensity in the stroma was observed. Variable immunosignal was obtained in epithelium, DM, and endothelium.ConclusionThis method reproducibly allows for the detection of IgG in healthy equine, canine, and feline corneas, particularly stroma. Semi‐quantitative results evidence medium presence of IgG in the corneal stroma. Further research is needed to evaluate IgG presence in diseased corneas.
Modelling haemoglobin incremental loss on chronic red blood cell transfusions
Authors: Carter Phillip W. , Dunham Andrew J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesUnderstanding the impact of red blood cell (RBC) lifespan, initial RBC removal, and transfusion intervals on patient haemoglobin (Hb) levels and total iron exposure is not accessible for chronic transfusion scenarios. This article introduces the first model to help clinicians optimize chronic transfusion intervals to minimize transfusion frequency.Materials and MethodsHb levels and iron exposure from multiple transfusions were calculated from Weibull residual lifespan distributions, the fraction effete RBC removed within 24‐h (Xe) and the nominal Hb increment. Two‐unit transfusions of RBCs initiated at patient [Hb] = 7 g/dl were modelled for different RBC lifespans and transfusion intervals from 18 to 90 days, and Xe from 0.1 to 0.5.ResultsIncreased Xe requires shorter transfusion intervals to achieve steady‐state [Hb] of 9 g/dl as follows: 30 days between transfusions at Xe = 0.5, 36 days at Xe = 0.4, 42 days at Xe = 0.3, 48 days at Xe = 0.2 and 54 days at Xe = 0.1. The same transfusion interval/Xe pairs result in a steady‐state [Hb] = 8 g/dl when the RBC lifespan was halved. By reducing transfused RBC increment loss from 30% to 10%, annual transfusions were decreased by 22% with iron addition decreased by 24%. Acute dosing of iron occurs at the higher values of Xe on the day after a transfusion event.ConclusionSystematic trends in fractional Hb incremental loss Xe have been modelled and have a significant and calculatable impact on transfusion intervals and associated introduction of iron.
GENETIC HISTORY OF SHEEP DOMESTICATION
Authors: Atavliyeva S , Tarlykov P. 
Published: March 2022

Domestication of sheep in the Fertile Crescent region of the Near East is an important evolutionary and historical event. Modern DNA analysis of sheep remains can complement knowledge obtained through morphological analysis at archaeological sites. In particular, investigation of mitochondrial DNA and endogenous retroviral sequences are widely used for studying the domestication, migration, and origin of domestic sheep. Comparison of the mitochondrial genomes of wild and modern sheep has further facilitated investigations on the origin of domestic sheep, indicating that the mouflon (Ovis orientalis) is the ancestor of domesticated sheep. To date, five phylogenetically divergent lineages of mitochondrial DNA have been identified in domestic sheep. Migration events from the center of domestication were studied in detail using retroviral integration. This progress highlights the need to conduct further genetic studies of modern and ancient samples of sheep so as to gain a more in-depth understanding of domestication events, migration processes, and the formation of basic breeds of domestic sheep.
ROLE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI AND HOST GENE POLYMORPHISMS IN GASTRIC CARCINOGENESIS IN A KAZAKHS
Authors: Kulmambetova G.N. , Imanbekova M.K. , Aitkulova A.M. , Shtefanov I.I. , Makishev A.K. , Ramankulov Ye.M. 
Published: March 2022

Emerging evidence indicated that common polymorphisms of TNF-α, IL1B, IL10, TP53, CD14, TLR4 genes might impact individual susceptibility to gastric cancer. Moreover, Helicobacter pylori plays an important role, provoking an increased susceptibility to the development of gastric pathologies. However, the results are still inconclusive, and specific alleles vary in different populations. We conducted a study in the Kazakh population of the Northern region of Kazakhstan to identify potential risks or protective associations of SNP with gastric cancer, or H. pylori infection. We analyzed the association of SNPs in TNF-α (rs1800629 G/A), IL1B (rs16944 A/G), IL10 (rs1800872 G/T, rs1800871 G/A, rs1800896 A/C), TP53 (rs1042522 A/G), CD14 (rs2569190 G/A), and TLR4 (rs4986790 A/G, rs4986791 C/T) genes. We included cases with gastric cancer in a hospital-based Kazakh population (158 cases and 181 cancer-free controls). Identification of Helicobacter pylori was carried out by microbiological methods from biopsy specimens. Genotyping of the extended panel of polymorphisms of candidate genes was performed on the Quant Studio 12K Flex (Life Technologies). To estimate relative risk, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and P value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found that the polymorphisms of TP53 (rs1042522 A/G, OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.41-3.82, P-value=0.0009), CD14 (rs2569190 G/A, OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36 - 0.96, P-value=0.035), and TLR4 (rs4986790 A/G, OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19 - 0.95, P-value=0.038) are associated with gastric cancer risk. No signiﬁcant association was observed between variant genotype polymorphisms of TNF-α, IL1B, IL10, TLR4 (ID: rs4986791) genes and gastric cancer risk. Further analyzes to assess the combined effect of TP53 rs1042522, CD14 rs2569190 and TLR4 rs4986791 and H. pylori infection on GC risk did not reveal significant associations. Our results testify to markers of GC risk among Kazakhs and may be the first step towards new approaches to diagnosis and prognosis in Kazakhstan.
A Noninvasive Assessment of Flow Based on Contrast Dispersion in Computed Tomography Angiography: A Computational and Experimental Phantom Study
Authors: Eslami Parastou , Seo Jung-Hee , Rahsepar Amir Ali , Shafique Asim , Rollison Shirley F. , Lardo Albert C. , Mittal Rajat , Chen Marcus Y. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Transluminal attenuation gradient (TAG), defined as the gradient of the contrast agent attenuation drop along the vessel, is an imaging biomarker that indicates stenosis in the coronary arteries. The transluminal attenuation flow encoding (TAFE) equation is a theoretical platform that quantifies blood flow in each coronary artery based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging. This formulation couples TAG (i.e., contrast dispersion along the vessel) with fluid dynamics. However, this theoretical concept has never been validated experimentally. The aim of this proof-of-principle phantom study is to validate TAFE based on CTA imaging. Dynamic CTA images were acquired every 0.5 s. The average TAFE estimated flow rates were compared against four predefined pump values in a straight (20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 ml/min) and a tapered phantom (25, 35, 45, and 55 ml/min). Using the TAFE formulation with no correction, the flow rates were underestimated by 33% and 81% in the straight and tapered phantoms, respectively. The TAFE formulation was corrected for imaging artifacts focusing on partial volume averaging and radial variation of contrast enhancement. After corrections, the flow rates estimated in the straight and tapered phantoms had an excellent Pearson correlation of r = 0.99 and 0.87 (p &lt; 0.001), respectively, with only a 0.6%±0.2 mL/min difference in estimation of the flow rate. In this proof-of-concept phantom study, we corrected the TAFE formulation and showed a good agreement with the actual pump values. Future clinical validations are needed for feasibility of TAFE in clinical use.
Design and Simulation of a Passive Absorber to Reduce Measured Postural Tremor Signal
Authors: Gebai Sarah , Cumunel Gwendal , Hammoud Mohammad , Foret Gilles , Roze Emmanuel , Hainque Elodie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Tremor is a semirhythmic oscillatory movement of a body part caused by alternating simultaneous contractions of an antagonistic muscle group. Medical and surgical treatments used to reduce the symptoms of involuntary tremor can cause negative side effects. This study examined the ability of passive vibration absorbers in reducing the amplitude of postural tremor (PT). Inertial measurement unit (IMU) was used to record PT signals at the forearm and hand of a patient. IMU signal was used to excite an upper limb modeled to represent the flexion–extension vibrational motion at the joints. Equations of motion were solved numerically to obtain a response that fits the measured tremor signal. Passive tuned mass damper (TMD) was modeled as a cantilever beam and a screw placed along its length, at a position reflecting its operational frequency. Natural frequency of the TMD was derived for different mass positions and validated numerically and experimentally. Modal damping ratio of the TMD, for each mass position, was also estimated. Mass position and damping coefficient of the TMD were optimized depending on the minimization in the power spectral density (PSD) of angular displacement amplitude at the wrist joint. Optimized three-TMD system of 28.64 g total effective mass with the estimated modal damping ratio reduced 83.1% of the PSD of the angular displacement amplitude. This study showed the performance ability of a lightweight passive absorber in controlling the involuntary tremor of a system excited by the measured tremor signal of a patient.
A Finite Element-Based Analysis of a Hemodynamics Efficient Flow Stent Suitable for Different Abdominal Aneurysm Shapes
Authors: Nada Ayat , Fakhr Mahmoud A. , El-Wakad Mohamed Tarek I. , Hassan Mohammed A. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This research aimed to examine the impact of a proposed flow stent (PFS) on different abdominal artery shapes. For that purpose, a finite element-based model using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is developed. The effect of PFS intervention on the hemodynamic efficiency is estimated by all of the significant criteria used for the evaluation of aneurysm occlusion and possible rupture; the flow velocity, pressure, wall shear stress (WSS), and WSS-related indices. Results showed that PFS intervention preserves the effects of high flowrate and decreases irregular flow recirculation in the sac of the aneurysm. The flow velocity reduction inside the aneurysm sac is in the range of 55% to 80% and the time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) reduction is in the range of 42% to 53% by PFS deployment. The simulation results implies that PFS could heal an aneurysm efficiently with a mechanism that causes the development of thrombus and ultimately leads to aneurysm resorption.
Effects of Near-Wall Streamwise Vortex on the Film Cooling Performance of a Fan-Shaped Hole
Authors: Cui Xiaofeng , Dai Ren , Liu Pengmin , Lin Chixiang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Fan-shaped hole is a typical shaped hole frequently used in gas turbine film cooling, which may operate in a complex vortical flow environment of turbine blade rows. It is critical to understand the destructive mechanism of the film cooling by near-wall vortex on the endwall surface. A vortex generator (VG) was installed in front of a discrete fan-shaped hole to produce a vortical environment on a flat plate. Heat transfer effects were experimentally studied for mainstream velocities of 20 m/s by measuring the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness at blowing ratios M = 0.5 to 2.5. Fluid dynamics effects of vortical upwash and downwash movements were numerically analyzed. Results show that near-wall streamwise vortex destroys the film flow and intensifies the mixing of hot gas and coolant flow, which leads to the deterioration of film cooling performance. Film coverage area varies remarkably with respect to the positions of streamwise vortex. An efficient blowing ratio has a strong ability to mitigate the influence of near-wall vortex. At M = 2.5, streamwise vortex can restrain liftoff tendency of coolant jet and retard the decrease of film cooling effects.
Performance Comparison of a Microchannel Heat Sink Using Different Nano-Liquid Metal Fluid Coolant: A Numerical Study
Authors: Khan Yasin , Sarowar Md Tanbir , Mobarrat Mahir , Rahman Md. Hamidur 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This article presents performance comparison between different liquid metal-based nanofluids termed as nano-liquid metal fluids in a microchannel heat sink to achieve ultimate cooling solutions without sacrificing the compact structure and heavy computing speed. The hydraulic and thermal performance of nanofluids having five different liquid metals (Ga, GaIn, EGaIn, GaSn, and EGaInSn) as base fluid and four different nanoparticles (carbon nanotube (CNT), Al2O3, Cu, and diamond) as solute are evaluated comparing with water-based nanofluids. Three-dimensional flow inside miniaturized channels are predicted using single-phase and two-phase numerical simulations. Numerical models are validated against data obtained from experimental studies from the literature. Three different grids are developed, and several element sizes were compared to obtain the grid independence. Upon evaluation, the study can point out that liquid metal-based nanofluids can generate much superior heat transport characteristics with more than 3.41 times higher heat transfer coefficient compared to conventional water-based nanofluids. GaIn–CNT combination exhibits the best thermal solution possible with a heat transfer coefficient increment of 2.68%, 17.19%, 22.16%, and 2.62% over CNT particle-based EGaIn, EGaInSn, Ga, GaSn liquid metal, respectively, for Re = 750. Considering hydraulic performance, performance evaluation criterion (PEC) has been introduced and Ga-based nanofluids are found to be most effective in this perspective. The effect on overall cooling effectiveness has also been carried out with a detailed particle concentration study. This study paves the pathway of using these extraordinary coolants in mini/microchannel heat sinks.
Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics and Process Modeling to Investigate Low-Load Operation of a Subcritical Utility-Scale Boiler
Authors: Rawlins Brad T. , Laubscher Ryno , Rousseau Pieter 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
To enable the inclusion of intermittent renewable energy sources on existing power grids requires base-load coal-fired power plants to operate flexibly, including fast load changes and continuous low-load operation. Low-load operation of a 620 MWe subcritical boiler is analyzed with the aid of a cosimulation methodology that incorporates a detailed 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model together with a one-dimensional process model. A discretized one-dimensional model of the water/steam circuit was developed for the furnace, the radiant superheaters, and the convective/back pass heat exchangers. This is coupled with a detailed CFD model incorporating the furnace and radiant superheaters using an Eulerian–Eulerian reference frame. The coupled model is used to investigate the combustion stability, water/steam side effects, and the radiant heat-exchanger operational limits for six different burner firing arrangements at a low boiler load of 32% of maximum continuous rating. The results show that certain firing arrangements can lead to a high risk of fire-side corrosion and overheating of heat-exchanger components. Based on the analyses of combustion stability, boiler efficiency, and the safe operation of heat-exchanger components, a mixed firing arrangement with a higher secondary air mass flowrate for nonfiring burners was selected as the best operational strategy at this low load for the boiler under investigation.
An Approach to Extracting Intersecting Features From 2-D CAD
Authors: Ganesan Rajan , Devarajan Venkat 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper describes a promising approach to solve one of the outstanding research issues in feature-based CAD — the problem of intersecting features. Feature extraction is important from several standpoints — automated process planning and NC machining, automated assembly and virtual prototyping. Conventional CAD (like 2-D CAD, 3-D CSG and BRep) do not contain feature data. Feature extraction has had limited success in extraing a partial list of non-intersecting features. The remaining intersecting features cannot be recognized as generic features in a typical feature database. Hence, techniques must be developed to extract intersecting features and identify them as combinations of standard features. Our methods of intersecting feature extraction are different from current methods in that they operate on 2-D projections of 3-D parts as input data, thus obviating analysis in complex 3-D space. Preliminary and encouraging results from extraction of simple intersecting features are presented in this paper.