bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The quiet chromosphere: differential rotation
Authors: Li K J , Wan M , Feng W
Published: March 2023

The solar chromosphere was daily observed in the Ca ii K line at the Mount Wilson Observatory from 1915 August to 1985 July. A digitized data base was created, which includes synoptical maps of the chromosphere in Ca ii intensity from Carrington rotations 827 to 1764. We have used the data base to investigate rotation and its differential of the chromosphere and the quiet chromosphere. The chromosphere is found to rotate faster than sunspots, but the difference in their rotation rates decreases with decreasing latitude, and near the equator they rotate at nearly the same speed. The chromosphere is obviously faster than the quiet photosphere and slightly faster than the quiet chromosphere at low latitudes, but slightly slower than the quiet chromosphere at middle latitudes. The differential degree of the rotation rate at low latitudes, ranging from largest to smallest in order, is found to be: sunspots, the chromosphere, the quiet photosphere, and the quiet chromosphere. The differential of the rotation rate is found to be different in different solar cycles for the chromosphere and the quiet chromosphere. Helioseismology observations suggest that these findings are plausible.
MitoFish, MitoAnnotator, and MiFish Pipeline: Updates in 10 Years
Authors: Zhu Tao , Sato Yukuto , Sado Tetsuya , Miya Masaki , Iwasaki Wataru
Published: March 2023

MitoFish, MitoAnnotator, and MiFish Pipeline are comprehensive databases of fish mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes), accurate annotation software of fish mitogenomes, and a web platform for metabarcoding analysis of fish mitochondrial environmental DNA (eDNA), respectively. The MitoFish Suite currently receives over 48,000 visits worldwide every year; however, the performance and usefulness of the online platforms can still be improved. Here, we present essential updates on these platforms, including an enrichment of the reference data sets, an enhanced searching function, substantially faster genome annotation and eDNA analysis with the denoising of sequencing errors, and a multisample comparative analysis function. These updates have made our platform more intuitive, effective, and reliable. These updated platforms are freely available at http://mitofish.aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp/.
Evolution is not Uniform Along Coding Sequences
Authors: Bricout Raphaël , Weil Dominique , Stroebel David , Genovesio Auguste , Roest Crollius Hugues
Published: March 2023

Amino acids evolve at different speeds within protein sequences, because their functional and structural roles are different. Notably, amino acids located at the surface of proteins are known to evolve more rapidly than those in the core. In particular, amino acids at the N- and C-termini of protein sequences are likely to be more exposed than those at the core of the folded protein due to their location in the peptidic chain, and they are known to be less structured. Because of these reasons, we would expect that amino acids located at protein termini would evolve faster than residues located inside the chain. Here we test this hypothesis and found that amino acids evolve almost twice as fast at protein termini compared with those in the center, hinting at a strong topological bias along the sequence length. We further show that the distribution of solvent-accessible residues and functional domains in proteins readily explain how structural and functional constraints are weaker at their termini, leading to the observed excess of amino acid substitutions. Finally, we show that the specific evolutionary rates at protein termini may have direct consequences, notably misleading in silico methods used to infer sites under positive selection within genes. These results suggest that accounting for positional information should improve evolutionary models.
Circulating thrombospondin-2 level for identifying individuals with rapidly declining kidney function trajectory in type 2 diabetes: a prospective study of the Hong Kong West Diabetes Registry
Authors: Lee Chi-Ho , Lui David Tak-Wai , Cheung Chloe Yu-Yan , Fong Carol Ho-Yi , Yuen Michele Mae-Ann , Chow Wing-Sun , Xu Aimin , Lam Karen Siu-Ling
Published: March 2023

Background

Thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) is a matricellular protein with tissue expression induced by hyperglycaemia. TSP2 has been implicated in non-diabetic renal injury in preclinical studies and high circulating levels were associated with worse kidney function in cross-sectional clinical studies. Therefore, we investigated the prospective associations of circulating TSP2 level with kidney function decline and the trajectories of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Baseline serum TSP2 level was measured in 5471 patients with type 2 diabetes to evaluate its association with incident eGFR decline, defined as ≥40% sustained eGFR decline, using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Among participants with relatively preserved kidney function (baseline eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2), joint latent class modelling was employed to identify three different eGFR trajectories. Their associations with baseline serum TSP2 were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance of serum TSP2 level was examined using time-dependent c-statistics and calibration statistics.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 8.8 years, 1083 patients (19.8%) developed eGFR decline. Baseline serum TSP2 level was independently associated with incident eGFR decline [hazard ratio (HR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.37, P = .002]. With internal validation, incorporating serum TSP2 to a model of clinical risk factors including albuminuria led to significant improvement in c-statistics from 83.9 to 84.4 (P < .001). Among patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, baseline serum TSP2 level was independently associated with a rapidly declining eGFR trajectory (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.26–2.10, P < .001).

Conclusion

Serum TSP2 level was independently associated with incident eGFR decline, particularly a rapidly declining trajectory, in type 2 diabetes.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Burden in Community-Dwelling and Long-Term Care Facility Older Adults in Europe and the United States: A Prospective Study
Authors: Narejos Pérez Sílvia , Ramón Torrell Josep María , Põder Airi , Leroux-Roels Isabel , Pérez-Breva Lina , Steenackers Katie , Vandermeulen Corinne , Meisalu Sandra , McNally Damien , Bowen Jordan S T , Heer Amardeep , Beltran Martinez Adrian , Helman Laura L , Arora Amit , Feldman Robert G , Patel Rajul , Shah Amit , Devadiga Raghavendra , Damaso Silvia , Matthews Sean , Pirçon Jean-Yves , Luyts Dominique
Published: March 2023

Background

Data on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease burden in adults remain scarce. We assessed the burden of confirmed RSV-acute respiratory infections (cRSV-ARIs) in community-dwelling (CD) adults and those in long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study covering 2 RSV seasons (October 2019–March 2020 and October 2020–June 2021), RSV-ARIs were identified through active surveillance, in medically stable CD-adults ≥50 years (Europe) or adults ≥65 years in LTCFs (Europe and the United States). RSV infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction from combined nasal and throat swabs.

Results

Of 1981 adults enrolled, 1251 adults in CD and 664 LTCFs (season 1) and 1223 adults in CD and 494 LTCFs (season 2) were included in the analyses. During season 1, overall incidence rates ([IRs] cases/1000 person-years) and attack rates (ARs) for cRSV-ARIs were 37.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.62–61.35) and 1.84% in adults in CD and 47.85 (CI, 22.58–101.4) and 2.26% in adults in LTCFs. Complications occurred for 17.4% (CD) and 13.3% (LTCFs) of cRSV-ARIs. One cRSV-ARI occurred in season 2 (IR = 2.91 [CI, 0.40–20.97]; AR = 0.20%), without complications. No cRSV-ARIs led to hospitalization or death. Viral pathogens were codetected in ≤17.4% of cRSV-ARIs.

Conclusions

RSV is an important cause of disease burden in adults in CD and LTCFs. Despite the observed low severity of cRSV-ARI, our results support the need for RSV prevention strategies among adults ≥50 years old.
How to plug the leaky pipeline in clinical rheumatology across Europe—lessons to be learned from experiences in business
Authors: Sautner Judith , Grabner Isabella , Posch Arthur , Duftner Christina
Published: March 2023

Objectives

While >50% of medical students and residents are women, their proportion drastically diminishes within higher ranks and leadership roles; this is known as the ‘leaky pipeline’. We aimed to evaluate the leaky pipeline among rheumatologists across Europe and to assess determinants inducing rheumatologists to leave hospitals.

Methods

Experts in the field of economics developed a questionnaire with scientific focus on the leaky pipeline among rheumatologists, which was distributed electronically by national scientific societies of EULAR countries and by individual contacts. We performed common factor analysis, univariate t-tests and multivariate regression analyses to appraise our dataset.

Results

A total of 311 hospital-based rheumatologists from 23/45 EULAR countries (52.7% females, 47.3% males) answered the questionnaire. The presence of the leaky pipeline was evident for the entire sample. Of 64% female rheumatologists only 34.2% of departments’ directors were female, with noteworthy regional differences. Female doctors reported higher intentions to leave their hospital (β = 0.28, P < 0.05) and lower commitment towards their current organization (β = –0.34, P < 0.05) when compared with males. Women reported lower levels of job satisfaction (β = –0.26, P < 0.10), promotion justice (β = –0.55, P < 0.01) and career perspectives (β = –0.26, P < 0.10, one-tailed) than men, explaining their lower organizational commitment.

Conclusion

Female rheumatologists perceive worse job opportunities and satisfaction than males. Many reasons for the leaky pipeline are beyond the control of organizations. Based on our results, organizations should be encouraged to reconsider and adjust their performance management practices to enable an equitable work environment.
Obstructive sleep apnea in aboriginal Australians: polysomnographic outcomes and symptom perception post-continuous positive airway pressure implementation
Authors: Lindfield Matthew , Howarth Timothy P , Perez Ara J , Crespo Jessie , Atos Charmain B , Huang Hsin-Chia C , Heraganahally Subash S
Published: March 2023

Study Objectives

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is reported to be highly prevalent among Aboriginal Australians. However, no studies have assessed the implementation and efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in this population. Hence, we compared the clinical, self-reported perception of sleep quality and polysomnographic (PSG) characteristics among Aboriginal patients with OSA.

Methods

Adult Aboriginal Australians who underwent both diagnostic (Type 1 and 2) and in-lab CPAP implementation studies were included.

Results

Total of 149 patients were identified (46% female, median age 49 years, body mass index 35 kg/m2). The OSA severity was 6% mild, 26% moderate, and 68% severe on the diagnostic PSG. On application of CPAP, there were significant improvements in; total arousal index (diagnostic 29 to 17/h on CPAP), total apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) (diagnostic 48 to 9/h on CPAP), non-rapid eye movement AHI (diagnostic 47 to 8/h on CPAP), rapid eye movement (REM) AHI (diagnostic 56 to 8/h on CPAP) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) nadir (diagnostic 77% to 85% on CPAP) (p < 0.001 for each). Following a single night of CPAP, 54% of patients reported sleeping “better than normal” compared to 12% following the diagnostic study (p = 0.003). In multivariate regression models, males had a significantly lesser change in REM AHI than females (5.7 events/hour less change (IQR 0.4, 11.1), p = 0.029).

Conclusions

There is substantial improvement in several sleep-related domains on the application of CPAP among Aboriginal patients with a good initial acceptance of treatment. Whether the positive impact observed in this study translates to better sleep health outcomes with long-term adherence to CPAP therapy is yet to be assessed.
Erectile dysfunction from mechanisms to medicines with a focus on the application of topical Minoxidil
Authors: Tavakoli Marziye Ranjbar , Faraji Maryam , Sam Sanaz , Ghasempour Ali , Rezaei Masoud , Langarizadeh Mohammad Amin , Karami-Mohajeri Somayyeh
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), for multifactorial reasons, is one of the biggest current quandaries among men worldwide and results in other complications such as reduced quality of life of the patient and his sexual partner, impotence, and psychiatric problems.

Objectives

Understanding of disease etiology, penile anatomy, erectile physiology, therapeutic mechanisms, and effective molecular pathways all play key roles in determining a therapeutic approach. This project is based on the study of topical minoxidil’s effectiveness in treating ED.

Methods

To perform a comprehensive overview of the subject, we performed a triple-keyword combination search to assess recent studies of ED.

Results

The most common formulation used in these studies was 2% minoxidil solution. Except for cases studied in paralytic patients, topical treatment with minoxidil appears to elicit a mild erectile response; however, this finding is insufficient to confirm the effectiveness of this topical treatment.

Conclusions

Although evidence to confirm the therapeutic properties of minoxidil in ED is limited, combination therapy and the use of modern formulations of minoxidil are promising options for treating ED in the future.
Analysis of human rabies deaths reported at two hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan: a call to save lives by reforming rabies prevention facilities
Authors: Salahuddin N , Gohar M A , Jamali S , Qureshi M A , Baig-Ansari N
Published: March 2023

Background

Rabies is endemic in low- and middle-income countries. It is caused mainly by the bite of a rabid dog and is fatal if not treated effectively and in a timely manner with quality post-exposure prophylaxis. Despite a profusion of private and public healthcare centres in Sindh province, most are ill-equipped to treat dog bites.

Methods

We analysed 129 human deaths from rabies who presented at the emergency departments of two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi over 10 y. Demographic data, time, location of the bite and distance travelled to report symptoms of rabies were recorded.

Results

Most victims were male, and children were more often affected; almost none had received post-exposure prophylaxis. A total of 12% of bites were on the face, head or neck. The mean incubation period was 56 d. Most (60%) of the rabies victims travelled long distances, hoping to receive treatment.

Conclusions

Rabies deaths were either due to a lack of awareness or the non-availability of rabies immunobiologicals within easy reach. Public health services must raise awareness, conduct surveillance and provide appropriately spaced centres for free treatment of dog bites. This lethal disease must be prevented at all costs.
Metabolomics in Plant Pathogen Defense: From Single Molecules to Large-Scale Analysis
Authors: Muñoz-Hoyos Lina , Stam Remco
Published: March 2023

Plants produce a high diversity of secondary metabolites that are involved in a wide range of different functions, including stress tolerance, signaling molecules for interactions with other species (allelopathy), and protecting plants against herbivores and pathogens. With the rise of more accessible, high-throughput mass spectrometry and new analytical tools, it becomes feasible to identify and validate new secondary metabolites involved in pathogen resistance or assign new roles to previously detected compounds. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the major pathogen defense-associated classes of secondary metabolites, with a focus on those with direct anti-pathogen function. For each class, we highlight one or more typical examples representing the class to give a comprehensive summary of some of the work done to date. In the second part of this review, we highlight how new technological advances and high-throughput experiments in combination with other sources of -omics data, such as genomics and transcriptomics, can accelerate the studies on secondary metabolites and help to link these compounds to genotypes. Employing such approaches will improve our understanding of chemical defenses against plant pathogens and allow for rapid development of markers for resistance breeding.
In-Hospital Mortality Following Traumatic Injury in South Africa
Authors: Storm Erik , Smith Michelle , Kong Victor , Laing Grant L. , Bruce John L. , Bekker Wanda , Svensson Johan , Manchev Vassil , Franklin Karl A. , Clarke Damian L.
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Trauma is a leading cause of death worldwide and in South Africa. We aimed to quantify the in-hospital trauma mortality rate in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Background:

The in-hospital trauma mortality rate in South Africa remains unknown, and it is unclear whether deficits in hospital care are contributing to the high level of trauma-related mortality.

Methods:

All patients hospitalized because of trauma at the Department of Surgery at Grey’s Hospital, Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, were prospectively entered in an electronic database starting in 2013 and the data were retrospectively analyzed. The trauma service adheres to Advanced Trauma Life Support and the doctors have attended basic and advanced courses in trauma care. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

Results:

Of 9795 trauma admissions, 412 (4.2%) patients died during hospital care between January 2013 and January 2019. Forty-six percent died after road traffic accidents, 19% after gunshot wounds, 13% after stab wounds, and 10% after assaults. Sixteen percent were classified as avoidable deaths due to inappropriate care and resource limitations. Fifty percent died because of traumatic brain injury and 80% of them were unavoidable.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, the in-hospital trauma mortality rate at a South African trauma center using systematic trauma care is lower than that reported from other trauma centers in the world during the past 20 years. Nevertheless, 16% of death cases were assessed as avoidable if there had been better access to intensive care, dialysis, advanced respiratory care, blood for transfusion, and improvements in surgery and medical care.
Prognostic Nomogram and Competing Risk Analysis of Death for Primary Thyroid Lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Kun , Peng Xue , Wei Tao , Li Zhihui , Zhu Jingqiang , Chen Ya-Wen
Published: March 2023

Background:

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is such a rare malignancy that there are no large-scale prognostic proofs to create a consensus on optimal management. This study aimed to determine the survival outcomes of PTL and specify associated factors by building a prognostic nomogram and to analyze competing risks of death to balance the hazards and benefits of different therapeutic approaches.

Method:

A total of 1638 PTL patients from 2000 to 2018 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Cox proportional hazard regression and competing risk analysis were applied.

Results:

We have identified through Cox analysis that age in years, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) pathology, lymph node dissection, radiation, and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for disease-specific survival (DSS). Based on these findings, we built a nomogram for predicting 5- and 10-year DSS and analyzed the overall survival (OS) by calculating cumulative incidence of death. The overall cumulative incidences of the 5- and 10-year PTL-specific cumulative death probabilities were 14.0% (95% CI: 12.3%–15.9%) and 16.3% (95% CI: 14.4%–18.4%), respectively, while the 5- and 10-year cumulative death probabilities from other causes were 12.4% (95% CI: 10.6%–12.3%) and 24.7% (95% CI: 22.1%–27.4%). Results from the competing risk hazards regression analysis revealed that older age and Ann Arbor grading were associated with a greater probability of death from other causes and death from PTL. Radioactive therapy by external beam radiation was associated with death from other causes only. DLBCL histology, lymph node dissection, and chemotherapy were correlated with death from PTL. Cumulative incidence curves demonstrated that the pathological type of lymphoma is the factor determining the likelihood of dying from PTL versus other causes.

Conclusion:

Patients’ age, Ann Arbor stage, pathological type of lymphoma, and the use of specific therapy regimen should all be taken into consideration when devising individualized treatment strategies for PTL. Decision models based on our findings may help clinicians make better decisions by taking into account the competing risk of death from causes other than PTL.
Telemedicine in Spine Patients
Authors: Bovonratwet Patawut , Chen Aaron Z. , Song Junho , Morse Kyle W. , Shafi Karim A. , Amen Troy B. , Dowdell James E. , Sheha Evan D. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Iyer Sravisht
Published: March 2023

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

The objectives of the present study were to 1) define telemedicine utilization rates during and after the initial height of the COVID-19 lockdown period and 2) determine patient satisfaction with telemedicine during and after the initial height of the COVID-19 lockdown period for spine patients at an orthopedic specialty hospital.

Summary of Background Data.

Previous studies have shown high patient satisfaction with telemedicine during the initial height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there exists limited data about spine telemedicine utilization and patient satisfaction after the reopening of in-person office visits and easing of restrictions on elective surgical care.

Methods.

All patients who had an in-person or telemedicine visit at an urban tertiary specialty hospital from April 1, 2020 to April 15, 2021 were identified. Rates of overall telemedicine utilization over time were delineated. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine, as assessed through a series of questionnaires, was also evaluated over time.

Results.

Overall, 60,368 patients were identified. Of these, 19,568 patients (32.4%) had a telemedicine visit. During the peak initial coronavirus lockdown period, rate of overall telemedicine utilization on average was greater than 90%. After the peak period, the rate of overall telemedicine utilization on average was at approximately 29% of all visits per month. The percentage of patients who would have been definitely comfortable if the telemedicine visit had been in-person increased over the entire study period (P<0.001). Despite this, patient satisfaction based on survey responses remained statistically similar throughout the study period (P>0.05).

Conclusion.

The rate of telemedicine utilization in spine patients remains high, at approximately 1/3 of all visits, even after the initial peak coronavirus lockdown period. In addition, patient satisfaction with telemedicine remained consistent throughout the study period, regardless of pandemic restrictions on in-person visits.

Level of Evidence.

III
Local Recurrence Rates After Excision of Desmoplastic Melanoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ran Nina A. , Veerabagu Surya , Miller Christopher J. , Elenitsas Rosalie , Chu Emily Y. , Krausz Aimee E.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Few prospective studies have evaluated local recurrence rates (LRR) after excision of desmoplastic melanoma (DM); however, several retrospective studies have reported high LRR.

OBJECTIVE

To determine LRR after excision of DM and evaluate factors affecting LRR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed to identify studies reporting local recurrence after excision of DM with conventional wide local excision (WLE), Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), or staged excision (SE). Meta-analysis was performed to calculate summary LRR and pooled risk ratios (RR).

RESULTS

Literature search identified 4 studies evaluating MMS or SE (total n = 61 DM). 53 studies assessed WLE (n = 3,080) and were analyzed quantitatively. The overall LRR after WLE of DM was 21% (95% CI, 0.16–0.28; n = 2,308). Local recurrence rate was higher with positive/unknown histologic excision margins (49%, 95% CI, 0.25–0.74; n = 91) versus negative histologic margins (11%, 95% CI, 0.07–0.17; n = 1,075; [p < .01]). Neurotropism was also associated with increased LRR (RR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.34–2.38, p < .01; n = 644).

CONCLUSION

DM has high LRR after WLE. Local recurrence risk was greatest with positive excision margins, indicating the importance of achieving negative microscopic margins. Greater study of MMS and SE for DM is required.
18F-FDOPA PET/CT of Paraganglioma in the Spermatic Cord
Authors: Goujon Anna , Pop Gabriel , Hissier Julien , Moreau Benjamin , Palard-Novello Xavier
Published: March 2023

A 53-year-old man with chronic kidney failure was referred to perform an 18F-FDOPA PET/CT to characterize a mass located on the right spermatic cord. Previously, the pathological analysis of CT-guided biopsies suggested paraganglioma or metastatic lesion of pheochromocytoma. Serum normetanephrine and serum metanephrine values were respectively 2- and 1.5-fold greater than the normal upper limit, which could be explained by the chronic kidney failure. PET/CT images revealed intense 18F-FDOPA uptake of the mass without any other pathological findings, suggesting the diagnosis of paraganglioma. Pathological examination of surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of paraganglioma of the spermatic cord, which is exceptional.
Adapting small jumping robots to compliant environments
Authors: Divi Sathvik , Reynaga Crystal , Azizi Emanuel , Bergbreiter Sarah
Published: March 2023

Jumping animals launch themselves from surfaces that vary widely in compliance from grasses and shrubs to tree branches. However, studies of robotic jumpers have been largely limited to those jumping from rigid substrates. In this paper, we leverage recent work describing how latches in jumping systems can mediate the transition from stored potential energy to kinetic energy. By including a description of the latch in our system model of both the jumper and compliant substrate, we can describe conditions in which a jumper can either lose energy to the substrate or recover energy from the substrate resulting in an improved jump performance. Using our mathematical model, we illustrate how the latch plays a role in the ability of a system to adapt its jump performance to a wide range of substrates that vary in their compliance. Our modelling results are validated using a 4 g jumper with a range of latch designs jumping from substrates with varying mass and compliance. Finally, we demonstrate the jumper recovering energy from a tree branch during take-off, extending these mechanistic findings to robots interacting with a more natural environment.
Did Christiaan Huygens need glasses? A study of Huygens' telescope equations and tables
Authors: Pietrow Alexander G. M.
Published: March 2023

In the later stages of his life, Christiaan Huygens semi-empirically derived a set of relations between the objective focus and diameter, the eyepiece focus, and the magnification that resulted from combining the two lenses. These relations were used by him and his brother to build what he believed were optimized telescopes. When comparing these equations to the ones derived from modern optical principles, Huygens' telescopes were in fact far from optimal. While there are several potential reasons for this discrepancy, one possible reason, explored in this work, is that Huygens might have suffered from a mild case of myopia (or near-sightedness) and that he compensated this condition by building telescopes that overmagnified by a factor of 3.5. Based on this hypothesis, Huygens' visual acuity is estimated to be around 20/70, which on average corresponds to an optical prescription of −1.5 diopters.
Identification of a small RhoA GTPase inhibitor effective in fission yeast and human cells
Authors: Morishita Jun , Nurse Paul
Published: March 2023

The Rho GTPase family proteins are key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics. Deregulated activity of Rho GTPases is associated with cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, and their potential as drug targets has long been recognized. Using an economically effective drug screening workflow in fission yeast and human cells, we have identified a Rho GTPase inhibitor, O1. By a suppressor mutant screen in fission yeast, we find a point mutation in the
rho1
gene that confers resistance to O1. Consistent with the idea that O1 is the direct inhibitor of Rho1, O1 reduced the cellular amount of activated, GTP-bound Rho1 in wild-type cells, but not in the O1-resistant mutant cells, in which the evolutionarily conserved Ala62 residue is mutated to Thr. Similarly, O1 inhibits activity of the human orthologue RhoA GTPase in tissue culture cells. Our studies illustrate the power of yeast phenotypic screens in the identification and characterization of drugs relevant to human cells and have identified a novel GTPase inhibitor for fission yeast and human cells.
Bacterial division ring stabilizing ZapA versus destabilizing SlmA modulate FtsZ switching between biomolecular condensates and polymers
Authors: Monterroso Begoña , Robles-Ramos Miguel Ángel , Sobrinos-Sanguino Marta , Luque-Ortega Juan Román , Alfonso Carlos , Margolin William , Rivas Germán , Zorrilla Silvia
Published: March 2023

Cytokinesis is a fundamental process for bacterial survival and proliferation, involving the formation of a ring by filaments of the GTPase FtsZ, spatio-temporally regulated through the coordinated action of several factors. The mechanisms of this regulation remain largely unsolved, but the inhibition of FtsZ polymerization by the nucleoid occlusion factor SlmA and filament stabilization by the widely conserved cross-linking protein ZapA are known to play key roles. It was recently described that FtsZ, SlmA and its target DNA sequences (SlmA-binding sequence (SBS)) form phase-separated biomolecular condensates, a type of structure associated with cellular compartmentalization and resistance to stress. Using biochemical reconstitution and orthogonal biophysical approaches, we show that FtsZ-SlmA-SBS condensates captured ZapA in crowding conditions and when encapsulated inside cell-like microfluidics microdroplets. We found that, through non-competitive binding, the nucleotide-dependent FtsZ condensate/polymer interconversion was regulated by the ZapA/SlmA ratio. This suggests a highly concentration-responsive tuning of the interconversion that favours FtsZ polymer stabilization by ZapA under conditions mimicking intracellular crowding. These results highlight the importance of biomolecular condensates as concentration hubs for bacterial division factors, which can provide clues to their role in cell function and bacterial survival of stress conditions, such as those generated by antibiotic treatment.
Social disappointment and partner presence affect long-tailed macaque refusal behaviour in an ‘inequity aversion’ experiment
Authors: Titchener Rowan , Thiriau Constance , Hüser Timo , Scherberger Hansjörg , Fischer Julia , Keupp Stefanie
Published: March 2023

Protest in response to unequal reward distribution is thought to have played a central role in the evolution of human cooperation. Some animals refuse food and become demotivated when rewarded more poorly than a conspecific, and this has been taken as evidence that non-human animals, like humans, protest in the face of inequity. An alternative explanation—social disappointment—shifts the cause of this discontent away from the unequal reward, to the human experimenter who could—but elects not to—treat the subject well. This study investigates whether social disappointment could explain frustration behaviour in long-tailed macaques,
Macaca fascicularis
. We tested 12 monkeys in a novel ‘inequity aversion’ paradigm. Subjects had to pull a lever and were rewarded with low-value food; in half of the trials, a partner worked alongside the subjects receiving high-value food. Rewards were distributed either by a human or a machine. In line with the social disappointment hypothesis, monkeys rewarded by the human refused food more often than monkeys rewarded by the machine. Our study extends previous findings in chimpanzees and suggests that social disappointment plus social facilitation or food competition effects drive food refusal patterns.
Widespread epistasis shapes RNA Polymerase II active site function and evolution
Authors: Duan Bingbing , Qiu Chenxi , Sze Sing-Hoi , Kaplan Craig
Published: March 2023

Multi-subunit RNA Polymerases (msRNAPs) are responsible for transcription in all kingdoms of life. These enzymes rely on dynamic, highly conserved active site domains such as the so-called “trigger loop” (TL) to accomplish steps in the transcription cycle. Mutations in the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) TL confer a spectrum of biochemical and genetic phenotypes that suggest two main classes, which decrease or increase catalysis or other nucleotide addition cycle (NAC) events. The Pol II active site relies on networks of residue interactions to function and mutations likely perturb these networks in ways that may alter mechanisms. We have undertaken a structural genetics approach to reveal residue interactions within and surrounding the Pol II TL – determining its “interaction landscape” – by deep mutational scanning inSaccharomyces cerevisiaePol II. This analysis reveals connections between TL residues and surrounding domains, demonstrating that TL function is tightly coupled to its specific enzyme context.
Rolosense: Mechanical detection of SARS-CoV-2 using a DNA-based motor
Authors: Piranej Selma , Zhang Luona , Bazrafshan Alisina , Marin Mariana , Melikyan Gregory B. , Salaita Khalid
Published: March 2023

Assays detecting viral infections play a significant role in limiting the spread of diseases such as SARS-CoV-2. Here we present Rolosense, a virus sensing platform that transduces the motion of synthetic DNA-based motors transporting 5-micron particles on RNA fuel chips. Motors and chips are modified with virus-binding aptamers that lead to stalling of motion. Therefore, motors perform a “mechanical test” of viral target and stall in the presence of whole virions which represents a unique mechanism of transduction distinct from conventional assays. Rolosense can detect SARS-CoV-2 spiked in artificial saliva and exhaled breath condensate with a sensitivity of 103copies/mL and discriminates among other respiratory viruses. The assay is modular and amenable to multiplexing, as we demonstrated one-pot detection of influenza A and SARS-CoV-2. As a proof-of-concept, we show readout can be achieved using a smartphone camera in as little as 15 mins without any sample preparation steps. Taken together, mechanical detection using Rolosense can be broadly applied to any viral target and has the potential to enable rapid, low-cost, point-of-care screening of circulating viruses.
Structural and biochemical insights into Zn2+-bound EF-hand proteins, EFhd1 and EFhd2
Authors: Mun Sang A , Park Jongseo , Kang Jung Youn , Park Taein , Jin Minwoo , Yang Jihyeong , Eom Soo Hyun
Published: March 2023

EF-hand proteins, which contain a Ca2+-binding EF-hand motif, are involved in regulating diverse cellular functions. Ca2+ binding induces conformational changes that modulate the activities of EF-hand proteins. Moreover, these proteins occasionally modify their activities by coordinating metals other than Ca2+, including Mg2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+, within their EF-hands. EFhd1 and EFhd2 are homologous EF-hand proteins with similar structures. Although separately localized within cells, both are actin-binding proteins that modulate F-actin rearrangement through Ca2+-independent actin-binding and Ca2+-dependent actin-bundling activity. Although Ca2+ is known to affect the activities of EFhd1 and EFhd2, it is not known whether their actin-related activities are affected by other metals. Here, the crystal structures of the EFhd1 and EFhd2 core domains coordinating Zn2+ ions within their EF-hands are reported. The presence of Zn2+ within EFhd1 and EFhd2 was confirmed by analyzing anomalous signals and the difference between anomalous signals using data collected at the peak positions as well as low-energy remote positions at the Zn K-edge. EFhd1 and EFhd2 were also found to exhibit Zn2+-independent actin-binding and Zn2+-dependent actin-bundling activity. This suggests the actin-related activities of EFhd1 and EFhd2 could be regulated by Zn2+ as well as Ca2+.
Asymmetric rotations and dimerization driven by normal to modulated phase transition in 4-biphenylcarboxy coupledL-phenylalaninate
Authors: Dey Somnath , Sasmal Supriya , Mondal Saikat , Kumar Santosh , Chowdhury Rituparno , Sarkar Debashrita , Malla Reddy C. , Peters Lars , Roth Georg , Haldar Debasish
Published: March 2023

Amongst the derivatives of 4-biphenylcarboxylic acid and amino acid esters, the crystal structure of 4-biphenylcarboxy-(L)-phenylalaninate is unusual owing to its monoclinic symmetry within a pseudo-orthorhombic crystal system. The distortion is described by a disparate rotational property around the chiral centers (φchiral≃ −129° and 58°) of the two molecules in the asymmetric unit. Each of these molecules comprises planar biphenyl moieties (φbiphenyl= 0°). Using temperature-dependent single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments we show that the compound undergoes a phase transition belowT∼ 124 K that is characterized by a commensurate modulation wavevector,q= δ(101), δ = ½. The (3+1)-dimensional modulated structure atT= 100 K suggests that the phase transition drives the biphenyl moieties towards noncoplanar conformations with significant variation of internal torsion angle (φmaxbiphenyl≤ 20°). These intramolecular rotations lead to dimerization of the molecular stacks that are described predominantly by distortions in intermolecular tilts (θmax≤ 20°) and small variations in intermolecular distances (Δdmax≃ 0.05 Å) between biphenyl molecules. Atypical of modulated structures and superstructures of biphenyl and other polyphenyls, the rotations of individual molecules are asymmetric (Δφbiphenyl≈ 5°) while φbiphenylof one independent molecule is two to four times larger than the other. Crystal-chemical analysis and phase relations in superspace suggest multiple competing factors involving intramolecular steric factors, intermolecular H—C...C—H contacts and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds that govern the distinctively unequal torsional properties of the molecules.
Impact of participation in the belt and road initiative on regional economic resilience at province level
Authors: Yang Wei , Lao Xiaoyun , Zhou Qing , Liu Jian
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) affects province-level regional economic resilience. In the context of dual circulation – the new development paradigm proposed by the Chinese Government – participating in the BRI is an important means of connecting both international and domestic circulations and achieving high economic resilience. The complex causal relationship between participation in the BRI and province-level regional economic resilience is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the complex system view, this study uses fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the impact on regional economic resilience when provinces participate in the BRI through unimpeded trade, infrastructure connectivity, financial integration and people-to-people bonds under the two conditions of attention allocation and buffering capacity. Qualitative textual analysis is applied to analyse provincial work reports, and relevant statistical data are used to measure the economic resilience from 2013 to 2020.

Findings

The authors identified three condition configurations that lead to a high regional economic resilience at province-level and one condition configuration that lead to no high-level regional economic resilience.

Research limitations/implications

In-depth analyses of qualitative materials should be conducted to explain the systematic relationships among the conditions.

Originality/value

This research is of practical significance to the development of the theoretical framework and practices of the BRI in the context of dual circulation.
A comparative study of the predictive power of component-based approaches to structural equation modeling
Authors: Cho Gyeongcheol , Kim Sunmee , Lee Jonathan , Hwang Heungsun , Sarstedt Marko , Ringle Christian M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Generalized structured component analysis (GSCA) and partial least squares path modeling (PLSPM) are two key component-based approaches to structural equation modeling that facilitate the analysis of theoretically established models in terms of both explanation and prediction. This study aims to offer a comparative evaluation of GSCA and PLSPM in a predictive modeling framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation study compares the predictive performance of GSCA and PLSPM under various simulation conditions and different prediction types of correctly specified and misspecified models.

Findings

The results suggest that GSCA with reflective composite indicators (GSCAR) is the most versatile approach. For observed prediction, which uses the component scores to generate prediction for the indicators, GSCAR performs slightly better than PLSPM with mode A. For operative prediction, which considers all parameter estimates to generate predictions, both methods perform equally well. GSCA with formative composite indicators and PLSPM with mode B generally lag behind the other methods.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may further assess the methods’ prediction precision, considering more experimental factors with a wider range of levels, including more extreme ones.

Practical implications

When prediction is the primary study aim, researchers should generally revert to GSCAR, considering its performance for observed and operative prediction together.

Originality/value

This research is the first to compare the relative efficacy of GSCA and PLSPM in terms of predictive power.
Measuring the research funding landscape: a case study of BRICS nations
Authors: Shueb Sheikh , Gul Sumeer
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the funding ratio of BRICS nations in various research areas. The leading funding institutions that support research in the developing world have also been researched.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involves the funding acknowledgment analysis of the data retrieved from the “Clarivate Analytics' InCites database” under “22 specific research areas” to determine whether the publication was funded.

Findings

This study shows that China achieves the highest funding ratio of 88.6%, followed by Brazil (73.74%), Russia (72.93%) and South Africa (70.94%). However, India has the lowest funding ratio of 58.2%. For the subject areas, the highest funding ratio is by microbiology in Russia (86.6%), India (84.3%) and China (96.9%) and space science in Brazil (93.7%) and South Africa (94.82%). However, economics and business achieves the lowest funding ratio in Brazil (38.6%), India (20.1%) and South Africa (30.24%). Moreover, the regional funding agencies are the leading research sponsors in the BRICS nations.

Practical implications

This study implies increasing the funding ratio across various research areas, including arts, humanities and social sciences. The nations, particularly India, also need to gear up sponsoring the research to improve the funding ratio for scientific development, bringing overall good.

Originality/value

This study efforts to show the status of countries and research subjects in terms of funding ratio and reveals the prominent funders working toward scientific growth.
Bank lending and macroprudential policies: are Islamic banks differentially affected?
Authors: Albinali Abdulla
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to study the relevance of macroprudential policies (MPPs) in influencing bank lending in small open economies with dual banking systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In the analysis, the author employed the dynamic panel data methodology as compared to alternate techniques since it is able to address potential endogeneity challenges.

Findings

Using quarterly data from the period 2002–2020, the author finds that MPPs are highly effective in containing the growth of public credit, whereas its impact on private credit is much less effective. The disaggregated findings reveal that macroprudential measures are less effective in containing the growth of private credit by Islamic banks.

Originality/value

The majority of studies on MPPs are focused on emerging and advanced economies, limiting their policy appeal from the standpoint of small open economies. In this connection, this paper contributes to the literature on the relevance of such policies for a small open economy with a dual banking system and significant hydrocarbon exports. The paper's analysis therefore holds relevance for similar economies, both in the region and elsewhere, on the role and relevance of MPPs with emphasis on Islamic banks.
Error management orientation: impact on service recovery performance, and the mediating role of self-efficacy
Authors: Guchait Priyanko
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates whether error management orientation (EMO) of hospitality employees influence their service recovery performance (SRP) through self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1, data was collected from 161 hotel managers in the USA. In Study 2, data was collected from 215 restaurant employees in Turkey. Partial least squares (PLS) method using SmartPLS 3.3.3 was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results indicated that EMO of hospitality employees increases their self-efficacy beliefs which in turn enhance their SRP. The findings were consistent in both studies.

Practical implications

Hospitality organizations should consider assessing EMO of individuals when making selection decisions. These organizations should also consider providing error management training to employees to develop their EMO, improve error management skills and performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on EMO of hospitality managers and employees. Error orientation refers to how individuals cope with and how they think about errors at work. Errors are part of our work lives, and a positive orientation toward errors (i.e. EMO) can have a significant impact on individuals’ work attitudes, behaviors and performances. This is the first study that examines EMO as an important predictor of SRP. This study also makes a contribution by studying the mediating effect of self-efficacy to understand the underlying mechanism that links EMO with SRP.