bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic Explanations for the Sequence Biases Observed in the Nonenzymatic Copying of RNA Templates
Authors: Ding Dian , Zhou Lijun , Giurgiu Constantin , Szostak Jack W. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTThe identification of nonenzymatic pathways for nucleic acid replication is a key challenge in understanding the origin of life. We have previously shown that nonenzymatic RNA primer extension using 2-aminoimidazole (2AI) activated nucleotides occurs primarily through an imidazolium-bridged dinucleotide intermediate. The reactive nature and preorganized structure of the intermediate increase the efficiency of primer extension but remain insufficient to drive extensive copying of RNA templates containing all four canonical nucleotides. To understand the factors that limit RNA copying, we synthesized all ten 2AI-bridged dinucleotide intermediates and measured the kinetics of primer extension in a model. The affinities of the ten dinucleotides for the primer/template/helper complexes vary by over 7,000-fold, consistent with nearest neighbor energetic predictions. Surprisingly, the reaction rates at saturating intermediate concentrations still vary by over 15-fold, with the most weakly binding dinucleotides exhibiting a lower maximal reaction rate. Certain noncanonical nucleotides can decrease sequence dependent differences in affinity and primer extension rate, while monomers bridged to short oligonucleotides exhibit enhanced binding and reaction rates. We suggest that more uniform binding and reactivity of imidazolium-bridged intermediates may lead to the ability to copy arbitrary template sequences under prebiotically plausible conditions.
Epigenome-wide association study of human frontal cortex identifies differential methylation in Lewy body pathology
Authors: Pihlstrøm Lasse , Shireby Gemma , Geut Hanneke , Henriksen Sandra Pilar , Rozemüller Annemieke J.M. , Tunold Jon-Anders , Hannon Eilis , Francis Paul , Thomas Alan J , Love Seth ,   Netherlands Brain Bank, Mill Jonathan , van de Berg Wilma D.J. , Toft Mathias 
Published: October 2021

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are closely related progressive disorders with no available causal therapy, neuropathologically characterized by intraneuronal aggregates of misfolded α-synuclein. To explore the role of DNA methylation changes in PD and DLB pathogenesis, we performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of 322 postmortem frontal cortex samples and replicated results in an independent set of 219 donors. We report novel differentially methylated replicating loci associated with Braak Lewy body stage near SFMBT2, PHYHIP, BRF1/PACS2 and DGKG. The DGKG locus also showed evidence of DNA methylation changes in the earliest, preclinical stage of disease. Differentially methylated probes were independent of known PD genetic risk alleles. Meta-analysis provided suggestive evidence for a differentially methylated locus within the chromosomal region affected by the PD-associated 22q11.2 deletion. Our findings elucidate novel disease pathways in PD and DLB and generate hypotheses for future molecular studies of Lewy body pathology.
Symmetric and asymmetric adjustment of bank deposit interest rates: empirical evidence from Kenya
Authors: Nyangu Moses Nzuki , Waweru Freshia Wangari , Marwa Nyankomo 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis paper examines the sluggish adjustment of deposit interest rate categories with response to policy rate changes in a developing economy.Design/methodology/approachSymmetric and asymmetric error correction models (ECMs) are employed to test the pass-through effect and adjustment speed of deposit rates when above or below their equilibrium levels.FindingsThe findings reveal an incomplete pass-through effect in both the short run and long run while mixed results of symmetric and asymmetric adjustment speed across the different deposit rate categories are observed. Collusive pricing arrangement behavior is supported by deposit rate categories that adjust more rigidly upwards than downwards, while negative customer reaction behavior is supported by deposit rate categories that adjust more rigidly downwards than upwards.Practical implicationsEven though the findings indicate an aspect of increased responsiveness over the period, the sluggish adjustment of deposit rates imply that monetary policy is still ineffective and not uniform across the different deposit rate categories.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to empirically examine both symmetric and asymmetric adjustment behavior of deposit interest rate categories in Kenya. The findings are key to policy makers as they provide insights on how long it takes to adjust different deposit rate categories to monetary policy decisions. In addition, the behavior of deposit rates partly explains why interest rates capping was imposed in Kenya in 2016.
A self-assessment tool for social responsibility in higher education. Reporting on a national policy development process in Portugal
Authors: Fonseca Susana , Lobo Fernandes Joana 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Providing higher education institutions (HEIs) with a tool for self-assessing their social responsibility (SR) that generates the information and knowledge necessary to a strategic approach to adopting the Green Paper recommendations about the SR of HEIs. Setting out the collaborative policy development process to construct the tool “Indicators of SR of HEIs” (ISRHEI).

Design/methodology/approach
After a literature review, including self-assessment (SA) tools and leading guidelines, a working group of 24 Portuguese HEIs was created to co-construct the ISRHEI tool, which was then subject to validation in a pilot study.

Findings
There are 34 indicators in the ISRHEI tool, structured by sequential levels according to the HEI alignment with SR (policies, procedures, practices and monitoring along a strategic continuum) hoping to achieve impacts on the organisational, educational, cognitive and social level.

Originality/value
This is an innovative and national policy development process for SR in Portugal. It gives insights into guiding documents, SA indicators for SR and the process of developing consensus on this topic amongst 24 HEIs in Portugal. The ISRHEI tool is tailored to the specific characteristics and level of development of HEIs.
Entrepreneurial leadership and team creativity: the roles of team psychological safety and knowledge sharing
Authors: Mehmood Muhammad Shahid , Jian Zhang , Akram Umair , Akram Zubair , Tanveer Yasir 
Published: October 2021

PurposeCreativity is vital for the innovation and survival of organizations. The present study aimed to explore the impact of entrepreneurial leadership on team creativity through team psychological safety and knowledge sharing. Social learning theory (SLT) was used to explore the relationships in this study.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from the manufacturing sector of Pakistan, and a sample composed of 70 team leaders and 378 team members was used.FindingsThe results showed the positive influence of entrepreneurial leadership on team creativity. Furthermore, team psychological safety and knowledge sharing mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and team creativity. Finally, team psychological safety and knowledge sharing sequentially mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and team creativity.Research limitations/implicationsA small sample size and cross-sectional research design may hinder the generalizability of the findings. The findings suggest that leaders should practice entrepreneurial leadership principles to develop team creativity. Organizations should provide training and development programmes for their leaders and employees to learn the importance of entrepreneurial behaviors and how to explore and exploit entrepreneurial opportunities.Originality/valueThis study extends the leadership and creativity literature by exploring the role of entrepreneurial leadership in developing team creativity. Furthermore, this study was conducted in established organizations to explore entrepreneurial leadership's influence on team creativity. In contrast, earlier scholars recognized entrepreneurial leadership as a leadership style of entrepreneurs and thus examined its implications in new ventures or small and medium enterprises.
Support for environmental, social and economic tourism industry development in Cyprus
Authors: Charalambous Constantinos , Violaris John 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to study and analyse thematic literature on sustainability and its challenges in destinations that highly depend on tourism. The aim of the paper is to focus on the opportunities and challenges for the sustainability of the tourist industry in Cyprus. The criteria for tourism sustainability are identified in UNESCO publications and are categorized as environmental, social and economic/financial. The paper examines the theory as well as the empirical applications regarding these criteria for the island of Cyprus, emphasizing the steps which have been taken by the government as well as other organizations towards maintaining industry sustainability. Opportunities that arise as a result of European Commission-funded programmes are also mentioned. Identification of the challenges is also very significant as they hinder sustainability practices. The paper tackles this issue and provides proposals as to the possible solutions to these challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a review of scientific and theoretical research studies by various authors on the concept and principles of sustainable tourism, the effects of tourism on society and the sustainable tourism strategy.FindingsThe basic principles of sustainable tourism development apply to all destinations, including Cyprus. The development of tourism is associated only with the observance of the principles of sustainable tourism development, which takes the form of balanced environmental and economic development and involves the observance of public interests.Originality/valueThe paper presents a viewpoint on sustainable tourism and the principles and development thereof.
Listening to Strangers, or: Three Arguments for Bounded Solidarity
Authors: Pippenger Nathan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBounded solidarity has recently been criticized on the grounds that it valorizes homogeneity, arbitrarily prioritizes compatriots over outsiders, and is ultimately unnecessary to democracy. In response, defenders argue that solidarity is valuable because it supports the welfare state or a republican ideal of nondomination. This article argues that such defenses fail to demonstrate that bounded solidarity is not superfluous in the way that critics have claimed, leaving the ideal vulnerable to dismissal. Drawing on deliberative democratic theory, it shows that bounded solidarity among citizens is necessary in order to establish the epistemic preconditions of democratic self‐determination. Understood in epistemic terms, bounded solidarity—a disposition among citizens to gather, and assign weight to, the perspectives of other citizens—deserves support because it is inextricable from the valuable goal of democratic self‐rule.
Cytomorphological features of extramammary Paget’s disease of the vulva in a patient with diagnoses of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix status post‐chemoradiation, and high‐grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: The importance of basic principles
Authors: Gonzalez Maria Fernanda , Duhoki Dereen Mohammed 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundExtramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a rare neoplasm that commonly affects post‐menopausal women. It usually presents in the anogenital area where apocrine sweat glands are abundant, most commonly in the vulva. The disease is characterised by slow growth and high local recurrence rates. Clinically, EMPD presents as well‐demarcated erythematous lesions or plaques that may be ulcerated. Microscopically, it shows a group of atypical cells with abundant clear cytoplasm and nuclear pleomorphism.MethodsWe present the case of a 58‐year‐old female with a history of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, status post‐radical‐hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy, and chemoradiation in 2016. The patient also had a long‐standing history of vulvar pain, skin changes on her left labia, and itching.ResultsPunch biopsies of the vulva revealed acanthosis and acantholysis of the epidermis with an intraepidermal scattering of single, or clusters of, large cells with round/oval nuclei and abundant clear cytoplasm. The cells were positive for p16, CK19, CK7, and PAX8, supporting the diagnosis of EMPD without evidence of dysplasia. The concurrent Papanicolaou smear showed a hypercellular specimen composed of hyperchromatic tissue fragments with high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratios and apoptotic bodies. The presence of intracytoplasmic mucin and the tridimensionality of the fragments supported the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma.ConclusionsThis study compares the histological and cytomorphological features of EMPD with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, since the pathogenesis, precursor lesions, etiological associations, staging, clinical treatment, and prognosis differ substantially and may have a significant clinical impact on the patient's treatment.
Assemblage reorganization of South African dragonflies due to climate change
Authors: Basel Ashleigh M. , Simaika John P. , Samways Michael J. , Midgley Guy F. , MacFadyen Sandra , Hui Cang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimClimate change is expected to cause large shifts in species assemblages such as dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata). Here, we assess the influence of environmental drivers of turnover on Odonata assemblages. Secondly, we map the predicted spatial variation in species composition, first as a gradient of assemblage similarity, and then as discrete bioregions delineating major areas of odonate endemism. Finally, we map the magnitude of expected change in species turnover in response to climate change under two emission scenarios.LocationSouth Africa.MethodsWe used a spatial database comprising of 164 species of odonates and 20 covariates, to explore changes in compositional turnover using generalized dissimilarity models. Bioregions were compiled through various clustering techniques.ResultsPresent‐day odonate bioregions correspond to climatic zones and are clearly separated by transitional zones with rapid spatial turnover. Present odonate bioregions are projected to undergo extensive reorganization by 2050 and 2070. Temporal turnover in species composition is expected to reach up to 80% in the large arid interior and 64% along the coast. Half of all South Africa's protected areas are likely to experience climate induced changes to dragonfly bioregions in the near future.Main conclusionsSpecies assemblages are rapidly changing. This work highlights future shifts in climate will result in complex and nonlinear responses in Odonata communities. With ongoing climate change, current odonate bioregions are predicted to expand while others will contract considerably in size within the next 30 years. The current demarcated protected areas may be inadequate to protect dragonflies as climates change. Odonata can be used to track forefronts of climate change, which will likely affect a larger array of taxa as well.
MSC derived EV loaded with miRNA‐22 inhibits the inflammatory response and nerve function recovery after spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Sheng Yongjia , Zhou Xiaohong , Wang Jin , Shen Heping , Wu Shasha , Guo Weiqun , Yang Yi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOur previous research has found that miRNA‐22 can inhibit the occurrence of pyroptosis by targeting GSDMD and decrease the production and release of inflammatory factors. In consideration of the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), MSCs‐EV were loaded with miRNA‐22 (EV‐miRNA‐22) to investigate the inhibitory effect of EV‐miRNA‐22 on the inflammatory response in SCI in rats in this study. LPS/Nigericin (LPS/NG) was used to induce pyroptosis in rat microglia in vitro. Propidium iodide (PI) staining was performed to observe cell permeability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay was adopted to detect cytotoxicity, flow cytometry was conducted to detect pyroptosis level, immunofluorescence (IF) staining was utilized to observe the expression level of GSDMD (a key protein of pyroptosis), Western blot was performed to detect the expression of key proteins. For animal experiments, the T10 spinal cord of rats was clamped by aneurysm clip to construct the SCI model. BBB score, somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and motor evoked potential (MEP) were performed to detect nerve function. HE staining and Nissl staining were used to detect spinal cord histopathology and nerve cell damage. EV‐miRNA‐22 could inhibit the occurrence of pyroptosis in microglia, suppress the cell membrane pore opening, and inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and the expression of GSDMD. In addition, EV‐miRNA‐22 showed higher pyroptosis‐inhibiting ability than EV. Consequently, EV‐miRNA‐22 could inhibit the nerve function injury after SCI in rats, inhibit the level of inflammatory factors in the tissue and the activation of microglia. In this study, we found that miRNA‐22‐loaded MSCs‐EV (EV‐miRNA‐22) could cooperate with EV to inhibit inflammatory response and nerve function repair after SCI.
Children with chronic nausea and orthostatic intolerance have unique brain network organization: A case‐control trial
Authors: Fortunato John E. , Laurienti Paul J. , Wagoner Ashley L. , Shaltout Hossam A. , Diz Debra I. , Silfer Jessy L. , Burdette Jonathan H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundDetermine whether subjects with chronic nausea and orthostatic intolerance share common alterations in key brain networks associated with central autonomic control: default mode, salience, and central executive networks, and the insula, a key component of the salience network.MethodsTen subjects (ages 12–18 years; 8 females, 2 males) with nausea predominant dyspepsia, orthostatic intolerance, and abnormal head‐upright tilt test were consecutively recruited from pediatric gastroenterology clinic. These subjects were compared with healthy controls (n = 8) without GI symptoms or orthostatic intolerance. Resting‐state fMRI and brain network modularity analyses were performed. Differences in the default mode, salience, and central executive networks, and insular connectivity were measured.Key ResultsThe community structure of the default mode network and salience network was significantly different between tilt‐abnormal children and controls (p = 0.034 and 0.012, respectively), whereas, no group difference was observed in the central executive network (p = 0.48). The default mode network was more consistently “intact,” and the consistency of the community structure in the salience network was reduced in tilt‐abnormal children, especially in the insula.Conclusions and InferencesChildren with chronic nausea and orthostatic intolerance have altered connectivity in the default mode network and salience network/insula, which supports over‐monitoring of their body and altered processing of bodily states resulting in interoceptive hyper self‐awareness. The connectivity of the salience network would not support optimal regulation of appropriate attention to internal and external stimuli, and the hyper‐connected default mode network may result in a persistent self‐referential state with feelings of emotion, pain, and anxiety.
A dated phylogeny shows Plio‐Pleistocene climates spurred evolution of antibrowsing defences in the New Zealand flora
Authors: Maurin Kévin J. L. , Smissen Rob D. , Lusk Christopher H. 
Published: October 2021

Summary

Some plant traits may be legacies of coevolution with extinct megafauna. One example is the convergent evolution of ‘divaricate’ cage architectures in many New Zealand lineages, interpreted as a response to recently extinct flightless avian browsers whose ancestors arrived during the Paleogene period. Although experiments have confirmed that divaricate habit deters extant browsers, its abundance on frosty, droughty sites appears consistent with an earlier interpretation as a response to cold, dry Plio‐Pleistocene climates.

We used 45 protein‐coding sequences from plastid genomes to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the divaricate habit in extant New Zealand lineages. Our dated phylogeny of 215 species included 91% of New Zealand eudicot divaricate species.

We show that 86% of extant divaricate plants diverged from non‐divaricate sisters within the last 5 Ma, implicating Plio‐Pleistocene climates in the proliferation of cage architectures in New Zealand.

Our results, combined with other recent findings, are consistent with the synthetic hypothesis that the browser‐deterrent effect of cage architectures was strongly selected only when Plio‐Pleistocene climatic constraints prevented woody plants from growing quickly out of reach of browsers. This is consistent with the abundance of cage architectures in other regions where plant growth is restricted by aridity or short frost‐free periods.
Pregnancy-related healthcare utilisation in Agincourt, South Africa, 1993–2018: a longitudinal surveillance study of rural mothers
Authors: Sack Daniel E , Wagner Ryan G , Ohene-Kwofie Daniel , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa W , Price Jessica , Ginsburg Carren , Audet Carolyn M 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionPregnancy-related health services, an important mediator of global health priorities, require robust health infrastructure. We described pregnancy-related healthcare utilisation among rural South African women from 1993 to 2018, a period of social, political and economic transition.MethodsWe included participants enrolled in the Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, a population-based longitudinal cohort, who reported pregnancy between 1993 and 2018. We assessed age, antenatal visits, years of education, pregnancy intention, nationality, residency status, previous pregnancies, prepregnancy and postpregnancy contraceptive use, and student status over the study period and modelled predictors of antenatal care utilisation (ordinal), skilled birth attendant presence (logistic) and delivery at a health facility (logistic).ResultsBetween 1993 and 2018, 51 355 pregnancies occurred. Median antenatal visits, skilled birth attendant presence and healthcare facility deliveries increased over time. Delivery in 2018 vs 2004 was associated with an increased likelihood of ≥1 additional antenatal visits (adjusted OR (aOR) 10.81, 95% CI 9.99 to 11.71), skilled birth attendant presence (aOR 4.58, 95% CI 3.70 to 5.67) and delivery at a health facility (aOR 3.78, 95% CI 3.15 to 4.54). Women of Mozambican origin were less likely to deliver with a skilled birth attendant (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.45) or at a health facility (aOR 0.43, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.46) versus South Africans. Temporary migrants reported fewer antenatal visits (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.38) but were more likely to deliver with a skilled birth attendant (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.66 to 2.2) or at a health facility (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.58) versus permanent residents.ConclusionPregnancy-related healthcare utilisation and skilled birth attendant presence at delivery have increased steadily since 1993 in rural northeastern South Africa, aligning with health policy changes enacted during this time. However, mothers of Mozambican descent are still less likely to use free care, which requires further study and policy interventions.