bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The VCBS superfamily forms a third supercluster of β-propellers that includes tachylectin and integrins
Authors: Pereira Joana , Lupas Andrei N 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Motivation
β-Propellers are found in great variety across all kingdoms of life. They assume many cellular roles, primarily as scaffolds for macromolecular interactions and catalysis. Despite their diversity, most β-propeller families clearly originated by amplification from the same ancient peptide—the ‘blade’. In cluster analyses, β-propellers of the WD40 superfamily always formed the largest group, to which some important families, such as the α-integrin, Asp-box and glycoside hydrolase β-propellers connected weakly. Motivated by the dramatic growth of sequence databases we revisited these connections, with a special focus on VCBS-like β-propellers, which have not been analysed for their evolutionary relationships so far.

Results
We found that VCBS-like form a supercluster with integrin-like β-propellers and tachylectins, clearly delimited from the superclusters formed by WD40 and Asp-Box β-propellers. Connections between the three superclusters are made mainly through PQQ-like β-propeller. Our results present a new, greatly expanded view of the β-propeller classification landscape.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effects of Korean Pine Basal Area in Mixed Broadleaved–Korean Pine Forest Stands on Its Natural Regeneration in Northeast China
Authors: Ge Xiaowen , Zhu Jiaojun , Lu Deliang , Zhu Chunyu , Gao Pingzhen , Yang Xiaoyan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the natural regeneration of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) in mixed broadleaved–Korean pine (MBK) forests is crucial for MBK forest conservation and secondary deciduous broadleaved forest restoration. We hypothesized the ratio of Korean pine basal area (RKp) in MBK stands affected its natural regeneration. Regeneration censuses, including the height, root collar diameter, age, and growth stages (younger seedling, older seedling, smaller sapling, and taller sapling) of Korean pine, were conducted in northeast China. Results indicated the stem density and age composition of younger seedlings were positively correlated with RKp, whereas those of the saplings were negatively correlated with RKp. In the stands with lower RKp (&lt;80% in Lesser Khingan Mountains [LKM]; &lt;40% in Lushuihe Forestry Bureau [LFB]), individuals in all growth stages regenerated well with an age span of 65 yr. However, the regeneration of taller saplings was severely inhibited with increasing RKp (LKM: RKp ≥ 80%; LFB: RKp ≥ 40%). In summary, RKp significantly affected the natural regeneration of Korean pine in MBK forests. The basal-area thresholds limiting regeneration were found to be 80% in LKM stands and 40% in LFB stands. These basal-area thresholds provided evidence of why the zonal climax was MBK forests rather than pure Korean pine forests.
Safety and Immunogenicity of a New Inactivated Polio Vaccine Made From Sabin Strains: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled, Phase 2/3 Seamless Study
Authors: Capeding Maria Rosario , Gomez-Go Grace Devota , Oberdorfer Peninnah , Borja-Tabora Charissa , Bravo Lulu , Carlos Josefina , Tangsathapornpong Auchara , Uppala Rattapon , Laoprasopwattana Kamolwish , Yang Yunjeong , Han Song , Wittawatmongkol Orasri 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
A new inactivated polio vaccine made from Sabin strains (sIPV) was developed as part of the global polio eradication initiative.

Methods
This randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 2/3 seamless study was conducted in 2 stages. Healthy infants aged 6 weeks were randomly assigned to receive 3 doses of 1 of 4 study vaccines at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age (336 received low-, middle-, or high-dose sIPV, or conventional IPV [cIPV] in stage I, and 1086 received lot A, B, or C of the selected sIPV dose, or cIPV in stage II). The primary outcome was the seroconversion rate 4 weeks after the third vaccination.

Results
In stage I, low-dose sIPV was selected as the optimal dose. In stage II, consistency among the 3 manufacturing lots of sIPV was demonstrated. The seroconversion rates for Sabin and wild strains of the 3 serotypes after the 3-dose primary series were 95.8% to 99.2% in the lot-combined sIPV group and 94.8% to 100% in the cIPV group, proving the noninferiority of sIPV compared to cIPV. No notable safety risks associated with sIPV were observed.

Conclusions
Low-dose sIPV administered as a 3-dose vaccination was safe and immunogenic compared to cIPV.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT03169725.
Fostamatinib Inhibits Neutrophils Extracellular Traps Induced by COVID-19 Patient Plasma: A Potential Therapeutic
Authors: Strich Jeffrey R , Ramos-Benitez Marcos J , Randazzo Davide , Stein Sydney R , Babyak Ashley , Davey Richard T , Suffredini Anthony F , Childs Richard W , Chertow Daniel S 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to immunothrombosis and have been associated with mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We stimulated donor neutrophils with plasma from patients with COVID-19 and demonstrated that R406 can abrogate the release of NETs. These data provide evidence for how fostamatinib may mitigate neutrophil-associated mechanisms contributing to COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.
Big Problems With Little House Fly (Diptera: Fanniidae)
Authors: Murillo Amy C , Hubbard Caleb B , Hinkle Nancy C , Gerry Alec C 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe little house fly, Fannia canicularis (L.) (Diptera: Fanniidae), is a significant pest associated with livestock and animal systems worldwide. This species commonly develops in poultry production systems. The males of this species are a nuisance to people because they form mating swarms in enclosed spaces. The pest status of F. canicularis has not lessened since it was identified as a critical arthropod pest of veterinary importance over 50 yr ago. During this period, there has been little research progress to control this pest, especially when compared with other filth fly species. This article reviews the biology, distribution, pest status (including nuisance and pathogen transmission risk), monitoring, and control techniques, and identifies knowledge gaps for F. canicularis.
The Effect of Deployment on Pulmonary Function in Military Personnel With Asthma
Authors: Woods Jeffrey T , Walter Robert J , Houle Mateo C , Barber Brian S , Morris Michael J 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Military personnel with a diagnosis of asthma report increased respiratory symptoms in the deployment and post-deployment periods. The long-term effect of deployment on pulmonary function in this population is unknown. This study sought to determine the effect of deployment on post-deployment pulmonary function in active duty military personnel with asthma.

Materials and Methods
A retrospective chart review of active duty military personnel with deployment to southwest Asia and an ICD-9 diagnosis of asthma with documented pre- and post-deployment spirometry was performed.

Results
A total of 642 active duty individuals with a diagnosis of asthma and documented spirometry with deployment to southwest Asia between 2006 and 2015 were identified. Of these, 76 individuals were identified with pre- and post-deployment spirometry. There was no significant change in the post-deployment forced expiratory volume at 1 second (% predicted), from 86.0 ± 14.8 to 87.6 ± 14.4 (P = .30). There was no significant change in post-deployment forced vital capacity (% predicted), from 93.8 ± 12.4 to 94.9 ± 12.1 (P = .42). The absolute change in forced expiratory volume at 1 second (L) after bronchodilator administration was decreased from pre-deployment to post-deployment (+0.31 ± 0.26 to +0.16 ± 0.23; P = .02).

Conclusions
There was no significant post-deployment change in spirometry in this military population with asthma deployed to southwest Asia. These findings suggest that deployment itself is not associated with any short-term deleterious effect on post-deployment spirometric measures of lung function in many military personnel with asthma.
New temperature and metallicity scale of cool giants from K-band spectra
Authors: Ghosh Supriyo , Ojha D K , Ninan J P 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
We present here quantitative diagnostic tools for cool giants that employ low-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy in the K band for stellar population studies. In this study, a total of 260 cool giants (177 stars observed with X-shooter and 83 stars observed with NIFS) are used covering a wider metallicity range than in earlier works. We measure equivalent widths of some of the selected important K-band spectral features like Na i, Fe i, and 12CO after degrading the spectral resolution (R ∼ 1200) to investigate the spectral behaviour with fundamental parameters (e.g. effective temperature and metallicity). We derive empirical relations to measure effective temperature using the 12CO first-overtone band at 2.29 and 2.32 μm and show a detailed quantitative metallicity dependence of these correlations. We find that the empirical relations based on solar-neighborhood stars can incorporate large uncertainty in evaluating Teff for metal-poor or metal-rich stars. Furthermore, we explore all the spectral lines to establish the empirical relation with metallicity and find that the quadratic fit of the combination of Na i and 12CO at 2.29 μm lines yields a reliable empirical relation at [Fe/H] ≤ –0.4 dex, while a linear fit of any line offers a good metallicity scale for stars having [Fe/H] ≥ 0.0 dex.
Multiprotein E. coli SSB–ssDNA complex shows both stable binding and rapid dissociation due to interprotein interactions
Authors: Naufer M Nabuan , Morse Michael , Möller Guðfríður Björg , McIsaac James , Rouzina Ioulia , Beuning Penny J , Williams Mark C 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Escherichia coli SSB (EcSSB) is a model single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein critical in genome maintenance. EcSSB forms homotetramers that wrap ssDNA in multiple conformations to facilitate DNA replication and repair. Here we measure the binding and wrapping of many EcSSB proteins to a single long ssDNA substrate held at fixed tensions. We show EcSSB binds in a biphasic manner, where initial wrapping events are followed by unwrapping events as ssDNA-bound protein density passes critical saturation and high free protein concentration increases the fraction of EcSSBs in less-wrapped conformations. By destabilizing EcSSB wrapping through increased substrate tension, decreased substrate length, and protein mutation, we also directly observe an unstable bound but unwrapped state in which ∼8 nucleotides of ssDNA are bound by a single domain, which could act as a transition state through which rapid reorganization of the EcSSB–ssDNA complex occurs. When ssDNA is over-saturated, stimulated dissociation rapidly removes excess EcSSB, leaving an array of stably-wrapped complexes. These results provide a mechanism through which otherwise stably bound and wrapped EcSSB tetramers are rapidly removed from ssDNA to allow for DNA maintenance and replication functions, while still fully protecting ssDNA over a wide range of protein concentrations.
Health, lifestyle and occupational risks in Information Technology workers
Authors: Lalloo D , Lewsey J , Katikireddi S V , Macdonald E B , Demou E 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundInformation technology (IT) and the IT workforce are rapidly expanding with potential occupational health implications. But to date, IT worker health is under-studied and large-scale studies are lacking.AimsTo investigate health, lifestyle and occupational risk factors of IT workers.MethodsWe evaluated self-reported health, lifestyle and occupational risk factors for IT workers in the UK Biobank database. Using logistic regression, we investigated differences between IT workers and all other employed participants. Regression models were repeated for IT worker subgroups (managers, professionals, technicians) and their respective counterparts within the same Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) major group (functional managers, science and technology professionals, science and technology associate professionals).ResultsOverall, 10 931 (4%) employed participants were IT workers. Compared to all other employed participants, IT workers reported similar overall health, but lower lifestyle risk factors for smoking and obesity. Sedentary work was a substantially higher occupational exposure risk for IT workers compared to all other employed participants (odds ratio [OR] = 5.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.91–5.39) and their specific SOC group counterparts (managers: OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.68–1.99, professionals: OR = 7.18, 95% CI: 6.58–7.82, technicians: OR = 4.48, 95% CI: 3.87–5.17). IT workers were also more likely to engage in computer screen-time outside work than all other employed participants (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.35–1.51).ConclusionsImproved understanding of health, lifestyle and occupational risk factors from this, the largest to date study of IT worker health, can help inform workplace interventions to mitigate risk, improve health and increase the work participation of this increasingly important and rapidly growing occupational group.
Mineralogy Constraints on Magmatic Processes Controlling Adakitic Features of Early Permian High-magnesium Diorites in the Western Tianshan Orogenic Belt
Authors: He Peng-Li , Huang Xiao-Long , Yang Fan , Wang Xue 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWhole-rock geochemistry, usually changed by magmatic processes, might provide misleading information on the petrogenesis of adakites. The Heishantou porphyritic diorites in Nileke, Western Tianshan orogenic belt record complex magma chamber processes, such as magma replenishment, fractional crystallization and crustal contamination, and thus, provide ideal samples for tracing the magmatic processes that generate the typically high Sr and La contents and Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios of adakites. In situ clinopyroxene and amphibole compositions of Heishantou porphyritic diorites (271 ± 2 Ma) are characterized by low Yb and Y content with high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, from which calculated early magmas resemble typical adakites derived from partial melting of a subducted slab. But whole-rock composition shows low MgO, Ni and Cr, thus, the Heishantou diorites were previously regarded as the result of partial melting of thickened lower crust. Plagioclase phenocrysts exhibit complex compositional zoning due to magma replenishment, and the rims have higher 87Sr/86Sr ratio and Sr content than the cores, indicating crustal assimilation. The cores of zoned clinopyroxene phenocrysts have high Mg#, Cr and Ni but low Yb and Y with high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, which are consistent with the high Mg# of primary adakitic magmas. Magmatic processes have significantly changed the primary adakitic features of Yb, Y and Sr content, Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, in addition to Mg# values. The Heishantou primitive high-Mg# adakite was derived from partial melting of a delaminated lower crust followed by storage, recharge, and assimilation in a crustal magma chamber. The Western Tianshan orogenic belt experienced a succession of lower crust delamination events in the Early Permian that involved melting of thickened lower crust, subsequent lithospheric detachment and asthenospheric upwelling.
Mycetoma in Moshi, Tanzania
Authors: Mavura Daudi , Chapa Peter , Sabushimike Doriane , Kini Lulyritha , Hay Roderick 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The geographic spread of the neglected tropical disease mycetoma is still poorly understood, largely because there is no mechanism for official reporting and the general lack of identification facilities in many regions. Nonetheless many countries in the tropics have such cases. This brief report is submitted to provide an example of recent experience of mycetoma in six patients presenting to a single centre in Tanzania.
Using a data-driven marketing strategy on customer relationship management: an empirical case of urban coffee shops in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Wen-Yu 
Published: December 2020

PurposeNowadays, the agricultural business environment is expended to the whole world. Transaction records in point of sales and customer relationship management (CRM) systems can be large-scale data for long-established global chain businesses. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to using a proposed data mining approach to discover valuable markets/customers of urban coffee shop industry (retailer) in current environment of Taiwan, which can implement the industry's data-driven marketing strategy on a CRM system.Design/methodology/approachIn this research approach, Ward's method, C5.0 decision tree and a proposed model are applied for discovering valuable markets and mining useful customer rules.FindingsThese found markets and discovered rules can be applied on marketing information or CRM system for identifying valuable customers and target markets.Originality/valueIn this study, the CRM system can be the media for the data-driven marketing strategy in environment of Taiwan. The approach of this research can be applied on other businesses for their data-driven marketing strategies as well.
Developing a construction business model transformation canvas
Authors: Das Priyadarshini , Perera Srinath , Senaratne Sepani , Osei-Kyei Robert 
Published: December 2020

PurposeIndustry 4.0 is driving an incremental shift in paradigms for the construction industry. Current research in the built environment is limited to exploring the exponential technological prowess of Industry 4.0 with very little work on its implications to the construction business model, strategy and competitive advantage. There arises a challenge for researchers to understand how appropriate technologies can be assembled to assist in achieving the goals of construction businesses. The overarching aim of this research is to develop a construction Business Model Transformation Canvas (BMTC) to map the transformation of construction enterprises in Industry 4.0.Design/methodology/approachThe research was carried out by conducting an expert forum with academics from nine universities across Australia and New Zealand. The study employed purposive sampling, and the academics were selected in a strategic manner in order to provide data that are relevant to the research.FindingsThe research identifies that technology-based partnerships supporting strategy and capability building, platforms enabling enterprises to conceive, design, manufacture and assemble buildings and competition with stakeholders having superior capabilities not in building but in other areas of business are fundamental to Industry 4.0 transformation.Originality/valueThe results present state-of-the-art development of business model research in construction that intends to support the strategic planning of construction enterprises in Industry 4.0. This research is the first and only research that uses a business model canvas (BMC) for strategy-reformulation in incumbent construction enterprises to maintain a competitive advantage in Industry 4.0. Merits of the construction BMTC lie in its holistic approach, visual representation and simplicity.
Coupling LES with soot model for the study of soot volume fraction in a turbulent diffusion jet flames at various Reynolds number configurations
Authors: Ibrahim N.H. Mohamed , Udayakumar M. , Suresh Sivan , Bhattacharyya Suvanjan , Sharifpur Mohsen 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the insights of soot formation such as rate of soot coagulation, rate of soot nucleation, rate of soot surface growth and soot surface oxidation in ethylene/hydrogen/nitrogen diffusion jet flame at standard atmospheric conditions, which is very challenging to capture even with highly sophisticated measuring systems such as Laser Induced Incandescence and Planar laser-induced fluorescence. The study also aims to investigate the volume of soot in the flame using soot volume fraction and to understand the global correlation effect in the formation of soot in ethylene/hydrogen/nitrogen diffusion jet flame.Design/methodology/approachA large eddy simulation (LES) was performed using box filtered subgrid-scale tensor. A filtered and residual component of the governing equations such as continuity, momentum, energy and species are resolved and modeled, respectively. All the filtered and residual components are numerically solved using the ILU method by considering PISO pressure–velocity solver. All the hyperbolic flux uses the QUICK algorithm, and an elliptic flux uses SOU to evaluate face values. In all the cases, Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) conditions are maintained unity.FindingsThe findings are as follows: soot volume fraction (SVF) as a function of a flame-normalized length for three different Reynolds number configurations (Re = 15,000, Re = 8,000 and Re = 5,000) using LES; soot gas phase and particulate phase insights such as rate of soot nucleation, rate of soot coagulation, rate of soot surface growth and soot surface oxidation for three different Reynolds number configurations (Re = 15,000, Re = 8,000 and Re = 5,000); and soot global correction using total soot volume in the flame volume as a function of Reynolds number and Froude number.Originality/valueThe originality of this study includes the following: coupling LES turbulent model with chemical equilibrium diffusion combustion conjunction with semi-empirical Brookes Moss Hall (BMH) soot model by choosing C6H6 as a soot precursor kinetic pathway; insights of soot formations such as rate of soot nucleation, soot coagulation rate, soot surface growth rate and soot oxidation rate for ethylene/hydrogen/nitrogen co-flow flame; and SVF and its insights study for three inlet fuel port configurations having the three different Reynolds number (Re = 15,000, Re = 8,000 and Re = 5,000).
Modification of superalloy honeycomb thermal protection system
Authors: Brodzik Łukasz 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
Paper aims to present problem of aerodynamic heating of a metallic heat shield. The key elements of this construction are metallic layers of superalloy honeycomb, which significantly increase the structure’s resistance to impact. Paper describes the problem of influence of damage size on increase of thermal load.

Design/methodology/approach
Numerical analysis was performed in a non-commercial environment FreeFem++ using finite element method, and its results were compared with the results given in the literature.

Findings
In thermal protection system, a modification was used to delay increase in temperature on the underlying structure as well as to reduce its maximum value.

Originality/value
In the further part of the paper, selected insulation material was modified by adding additional conductive material.