bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A revised view on the evolution of glutamine synthetase isoenzymes in plants
Authors: Valderrama-Martín José Miguel , Ortigosa Francisco , Ávila Concepción , Cánovas Francisco M. , Hirel Bertrand , Cantón Francisco R. , Cañas Rafael A. 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTGlutamine synthetase (GS) is a key enzyme responsible for the incorporation of inorganic nitrogen in the form of ammonium into the amino acid glutamine. The genes encoding GS are among the oldest existing genes in living organisms. In plants, two groups of functional GS enzymes are found: eubacterial GSIIb (GLN2) and eukaryotic GSIIe (GLN1/GS). Phylogenetic analyses have shown that the GLN2 group originated from bacteria following horizontal gene transfer. Only GLN1/GS genes are found in vascular plants, which suggests that they are involved in the final adaptation of plants to terrestrial life. The present phylogenetic study reclassifies the different GS of seed plants into three clusters: GS1a, GS1b and GS2. The presence of genes encoding GS2 has been expanded to Cycadopsida gymnosperms, which suggests the origin of this gene in a common ancestor of Cycadopsida, Ginkgoopsida and angiosperms. GS1a genes have been identified in all gymnosperms, basal angiosperms and some Magnoliidae species. Previous studies in conifers and the gene expression profiles obtained in ginkgo and magnolia in the present work could explain the absence of GS1a in more recent angiosperm species (e.g., monocots and eudicots) due to the redundant roles of GS1a and GS2 in photosynthetic cells. Altogether, the results provide a better understanding of the evolution of plant GS isoenzymes and their physiological roles, which is valuable for improving crop nitrogen use efficiency and productivity.
TheEscherichia coli serSgene promoter region overlaps with therarAgene
Authors: Jain Kanika , Stanage Tyler H. , Wood Elizabeth A. , Cox Michael M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDeletion of the entire gene encoding the RarA protein ofEscherichia coliresults in a growth defect and additional deficiencies that were initially ascribed to a lack of RarA function. Further work revealed that most of the effects reflected the presence of sequences in therarAgene that affect expression of the downstream gene,serS.TheserSgene encodes the seryl aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. Decreases in the expression ofserScan trigger the stringent response. The sequences that affectserSexpression are located in the last 15 nucleotides of therarAgene.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition Prevents Caveolin-1-dependent Calcifying Extracellular Vesicle Biogenesis
Authors: Nik Amirala Bakhshian , Ng Hooi Hooi , Sun Patrick , Iacoviello Francesco , Shearing Paul R. , Bertazzo Sergio , Mero Deniel , Khomtchouk Bohdan B. , Hutcheson Joshua D. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including vascular calcification, leading to higher mortality. Release of calcifying extracellular vesicles (EVs) by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) promotes the ectopic mineralization of vessel walls. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) protein plays a key role in genesis of calcifying EVs in VSMCs. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) co-localizes with and influences the intracellular trafficking of CAV1. Using a diet-induced mouse model of CKD, we measured serum EGFR and assessed the potential of EGFR inhibition to prevent vascular calcification. Mice with CKD developed widespread vascular calcification, which associated with increased serum levels of EGFR. We computationally analyzed 7651 individuals in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and Framingham cohorts to assess potential correlations between coronary artery calcium and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with elevated serum levels of EGFR. Individuals in the MESA and Framingham cohorts with SNPs associated with increased serum EGFR exhibit elevated coronary artery calcium. In both the CKD mice and human VSMC culture, EGFR inhibition significantly reduced vascular calcification by mitigating the release of CAV1-positive calcifying EVs. EGFR inhibition also increased bone mineral density in CKD mice. Given that EGFR inhibitors exhibit clinical safety and efficacy in other pathologies, the current data suggest that EGFR may be an ideal target to prevent pathological vascular calcification.
A chemical screen for suppressors of dioxygenase inhibition in a yeast model of familial paraganglioma
Authors: Beimers William , Braun Megan , Schwinefus Kaleb , Pearson Keenan , Wilbanks Brandon , Maher L. James 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA fascinating class of familial paraganglioma (PGL) neuroendocrine tumors is driven by loss of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) resulting in succinate accumulation as an oncometabolite, and other metabolic derangements. Here we exploit aS. cerevisiaeyeast model of SDH loss where accumulating succinate, and possibly reactive oxygen species, poison a dioxygenase enzyme required for sulfur scavenging. Using this model we performed a chemical suppression screen for compounds that relieve dioxygenase inhibition. After testing 1280 pharmaceutically-active compounds we identified meclofenoxate HCL, and its hydrolysis product, dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), as suppressors of dioxygenase intoxication in SDH-loss cells. We show that DMAE acts to alter metabolism so as to normalize the succinate:2-ketoglutarate ratio, improving dioxygenase function. This work raises the possibility that oncometabolite effects might be therapeutically suppressed by drugs that rewire metabolism to reduce the flux of carbon into pathological metabolic pathways.
Field Testing of a Decision Support Tool for Acute Appendicitis using an Online Randomized Experimental Design
Authors: Rosen Joshua E. , Flum David R. , Davidson Giana H. , Liao Joshua M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundMounting evidence from randomized controlled trials have shown that antibiotics can be a safe and effective treatment for appendicitis. Patients and surgeons must work together to choose the optimal treatment approach for each patient based on their own preferences and values. We developed a novel decision support tool (DST) to facilitate shared decision making for appendicitis. The effect of this DST on decisional outcomes remains unknown.MethodsWe conducted an online randomized field test in at-risk individuals comparing the DST to a standard infographic as a control. Individuals were randomized 3:1 to the DST (intervention) or infographic (control). The primary outcome was the total decisional conflict scale (DCS) score measured before and after exposure to the DST. Secondary outcomes included between-group DCS scores, and between group comparisons of the acceptability of DST or infographic.Results180 individuals were included in the study after quality control checks. Total DCS scores decreased significantly after viewing the DST (59.0 to 14.6, p<0.001) representing movement from a state of high to low decisional conflict. Individuals exposed to the DST reported higher acceptability ratings (3.7 vs. 3.3, p<0.001) and had more individuals who would completely agreed that they would be willing to try antibiotics (45% vs. 21%, p=0.008).ConclusionsThe novel appendicitis DST significantly decreased decisional conflict in this online randomized field test. Users rated the tool as highly acceptable and expressed increased willingness to consider antibiotics as a treatment approach after viewing it.Study FundingThis work was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [grant number T32DK070555]; and a generous gift from Marty and Linda Ellison. The development of aspects of the decision support tool was funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The funding sources had no role in the study design, collection, analysis, or interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript or in the decision to submit for publication.
Time varying association between deprivation, ethnicity and SARS-CoV-2 infections in England: a space-time study
Authors: Padellini Tullia , Jersakova Radka , Diggle Peter J. , Holmes Chris , King Ruairidh E. , Lehmann Brieuc C. L. , Mallon Ann-Marie , Nicholson George , Richardson Sylvia , Blangiardo Marta 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundEthnically diverse and socio-economically deprived communities have been differentially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.MethodUsing a multilevel regression model we assess the time-varying association between SARS-CoV-2 infections and areal level deprivation and ethnicity. We separately consider weekly test positivity rate (number of positive tests over the total number of tests) and estimated unbiased prevalence (proportion of individuals in the population who would test positive) at the Lower Tier Local Authority (LTLA) level. The model also adjusts for age, urbanicity, vaccine uptake and spatio-temporal correlation structure.FindingsComparing the least deprived and predominantly White areas with most deprived and predominantly non-White areas over the whole study period, the weekly positivity rate increases by 13% from 2·97% to 3·35%. Similarly, prevalence increases by 10% from 0·37% to 0·41%. Deprivation has a stronger effect until October 2020, while the effect of ethnicity becomes slightly more pronounced at the peak of the second wave and then again in May-June 2021. Not all BAME groups were equally affected: in the second wave of the pandemic, LTLAs with large South Asian populations were the most affected, whereas areas with large Black populations did not show increased values for either outcome during the entire period under analysis.InterpretationAt the area level, IMD and BAME% are both associated with an increased COVID-19 burden in terms of prevalence (disease spread) and test positivity (disease monitoring), and the strength of association varies over the course of the pandemic. The consistency of results across the two outcome measures suggests that community level characteristics such as deprivation and ethnicity have a differential impact on disease exposure or susceptibility rather than testing access and habits.FundingsEPSRC, MRC, The Alan Turing Institute, NIH, UKHSA, DHSC, NIHR
Prevalence of and risk factors for burnout and occupational stress among couriers: A systematic review
Authors: Wei Hua , Li Shugang , Li Sheng , O’Toole Thomas , Yu Mengke , Armitage Christopher J. , Chandola Tarani , Whelan Pauline , Xu Yan , van Tongeren Martie 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of burnout and occupational stress (OS) among couriers and to identify the main risk factors.MethodWe followed PRISMA guidelines to search studies published in English and Chinese databases before February 2022.ResultsThe search yielded 15 (7 English and 8 Chinese) papers, 12 of which studied Chinese couriers, and three studied French, Israeli and Malaysian couriers. Twelve studies reported OS using various validated measurement tools, and six reported burnout using adapted versions of Maslach Burnout Inventory. Only four included studies suggested cut-off points to define the condition, hence we used the midpoint of the scales to estimate the prevalence (the proportion of the cases that were above the midpoint). The estimated prevalence of burnout (or a dimension of burnout) among couriers ranged from 20% to 73% (median=33%). The prevalence of OS (or a dimension of OS) ranged from 7% to 90% (median=40%). Twelve studies reported risk factors for burnout or OS; the main ones were physical demands, customer behaviour and a range of working and employment conditions, such as employment precarity and financial insecurity. Job resources (i.e. social support and decision latitude) and organizational support had mitigating effects.ConclusionsBurnout and OS are relatively high among couriers. Interventions to prevent or reduce burnout in this occupation are currently limited. The use of platform technology to shift risks, intensify work and tighten managerial controls could be a potential work-related stressor for app-based couriers but remains a knowledge gap.
Biochemical and Immunological Predictors of Non-healing in Individuals with Early-stage Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Raghavan Jayashree Vijaya , Sagar Shruthi Ksheera , Dorai Vinod Kumar , Samuel Rebecca Diya , Arunachalam Priyanka , Chaluvanarayana H C , Belahalli Pavan , Kalpana S R , Jhunjhunwala Siddharth 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe goal of this study was to identify biochemical and immunological parameters from the blood as predictors of non-healing in early-stage diabetic foot ulcers.Research Design and MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional prospective cohort study among individuals with early-stage foot ulcers visiting the Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology Research over a 2.5-year period. Histopathological, biochemical, and immunological data (a total of 31 parameters) from 52 individuals were collected and analyzed to determine if predictors of non-healing may be identified. Data analysis was performed using traditional univariate analyses as well as univariate and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsIndividual histopathological and biochemical parameters did not show any differences between healed and non-healed individuals. However, conventional univariate analysis and univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the expression of the cell-surface proteins CD63, HLA-DR and CD11b on monocytes (CD14+) was significantly lower in non-healed individuals, but with moderate discriminative ability as assessed by area under the curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve. In comparison, a multivariable logistic regression model identified four of the 31 parameters to be salient predictors and demonstrated high discrimination ability with an AUC of ROC value of 0.87. Among the four identified parameters, LDL cholesterol (OR 18.83, CI 18.83-342) and cell-surface expression of CD63 on monocytes (OR 0.12, CI 0.12-0.45) were significant.ConclusionThrough this study we conclude that LDL cholesterol and cell-surface expression of CD63 on monocytes are strong positive and negative predictors of non-healing, respectively, in individuals with early-stage DFU. Following validation in a larger cohort, these parameters may be used by the clinician for early identification of non-healers.
Labelling or not: influence of food retailer's approaching the expiration date labelling on consumers' patronage intention
Authors: Tang Yifan , Kuang Yiting , Li Han , Cao Binbin , Qing Ping 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of food retailer's Approaching the Expiration Date (AED) labelling on consumers' retailer-related response. Specifically, the main effect of food retailer's AED labelling on consumers' patronage intention, the mediation effect of food retailer's concern for consumers and the boundary condition of this effect are explored. The selected context of research is that food retailers are reluctant to stick an AED label on nearly expired food due to negative effect on selling them.Design/methodology/approachTwo separate pretests and two separate experiments have been conducted to investigate the influence of food retailer's AED labelling on patronage intention. Pretest 1 develops the stimulus material of food retailer's AED labelling. Study 1 investigates the influence of AED labelling on patronage intention and mediation effect of consumers' perception of retailer's concern for consumers. Pretest 2 develops the stimulus material of government regulation on food retailer's AED labelling. Study 2 explores the boundary condition of the positive effect, namely the moderation effect of whether retailer's AED labelling is voluntary or mandatory.FindingsThe main findings of this research highlight the positive influence of food retailer's AED labelling on consumers' patronage intention. In addition, the current research reveals the underlying mechanism food retailer's concern for consumers and the boundary condition whether the AED labelling is voluntary or mandatory.Originality/valueAlthough previous researches has explored the effect of food retailer's AED labelling on consumers' response, most of them focus on consumer purchase intention of the nearly expired food and neglect its effect on consumers' food retailer-related response. It is a need for food retailer to explore the potential positive influence of food retailer's AED labelling on consumers' patronage intention.
Mapping the intellectual structure of short food supply chains research: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Luo Jianli , Liang Yuanxiang , Bai Yanhu 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify major research topics and propose future research directions for the short food supply chains (SFSCs) by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.Design/methodology/approachA step-by-step literature review was performed. A total of 684 scientific papers were retrieved from Scopus, dated between 2000 and 2020. Then, content analysis was conducted based on 162 articles selected from the co-citation analysis. Bibexcel and Gephi software were employed to analyse, integrate and visualize the data.FindingsThe results of the descriptive analysis provided insights into publication trends, prominent countries, institutions and journal sources, which had not been fully captured or evaluated by previous reviews. In the citation analysis, the authors determined the highly cited papers based on the global citation. Additionally, in the co-citation analysis, the authors derived six research clusters, identified research gaps in each of six clusters and then suggested possible future research directions.Originality/valueAlthough several reviews have focused on certain aspects of SFSCs, a comprehensive review has been lacking. This study is among the first to comprehensively examine the knowledge structure of SFSCs research by using rigorous bibliometric analysis. More importantly, the future lines presented here offer potential insights for SFSCs researchers and policymakers.
Addressing sustainable food management in hotels: proposing a framework and examining hotel groups
Authors: Ruiz Molina María Eugenia , Belda-Miquel Sergio , Hytti Anni , Gil-Saura Irene 
Published: November 2021

Purpose Sustainable food practices have been recognised as a key issue in efforts to improve and report sustainable tourism practices, given the importance of the social, environmental and economic impacts of the food industry throughout its entire chain of production – from farm to fork. From this standpoint, the aim of the present paper is to propose a comprehensive framework for reporting or making decisions concerning sustainable food management in hotels, taking into account the various facets of the food supply chain.Design/methodology/approach Several dimensions are proposed for dealing with sustainable food management, involving all aspects of food supply chains that may be relevant for hotel decision-making. Furthermore, some key criteria for creating and using indicators of different types (qualitative and quantitative) to address these various dimensions of sustainable food management are suggested. Subsequently, the proposed framework is validated with the sustainability criteria and indicators provided by the top eight hotel groups, according to the 2019 SAM Annual Corporate Sustainability Assessment.Findings Hotels neglect a number of aspects of sustainable food management identified in the framework. The quality and the quantity of the information provided by hotels are limited.Practical implications There is a need to improve sustainability in food management in the hotels under analysis in several areas. A comprehensive framework such as that proposed in this paper may be of great value in seeking to remedy this situation. It may also assist users of hotel services and communities in making more informed decisions.Originality/value The proposed framework may be beneficial in advancing academic debate towards a more embracing and relevant understanding of sustainable food management in hotels and on the indicators required in this regard.
A new technique for right half plane zero elimination from dynamics of a boost converter using magnetic coupling concept
Authors: Goudarzian Alireza 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
Control-signal-to-output-voltage transfer function of the conventional boost converter has at least one right-half plane zero (RHPZ) in the continuous conduction mode which can restrict the open-loop bandwidth of the converter. This problem can complicate the control design for the load voltage regulation and conversely, impact on the stability of the closed-loop system. To remove this positive zero and improve the dynamic performance, this paper aims to suggest a novel boost topology with a step-up voltage gain by developing the circuit diagram of a conventional boost converter.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a transformer, two different pathways are provided for a classical boost circuit. Hence, the effect of the RHPZ can be easily canceled and the voltage gain can be enhanced which provides conditions for achieving a smaller working duty cycle and reducing the voltage stress of the power switch. Using this technique makes it possible to achieve a good dynamic response compared to the classical boost converter.

Findings
The observations show that the phase margin of the proposed boost converter can be adequately improved, its bandwidth is largely increased, due to its minimum-phase structure through RHPZ cancellation. It is suitable for fast dynamic response applications such as micro-inverters and fuel cells.

Originality/value
The introduced method is analytically studied via determining the state-space model and necessary criteria are obtained to achieve a minimum-phase structure. Practical observations of a constructed prototype for the voltage conversion from 24 V to 100 V and various load conditions are shown.
Insurers' risk management as a business process: a prospective competitive advantage or not?
Authors: Ahmed Danish , Yuantao Xie , Saeed Bhutta Umair 
Published: November 2021

PurposeInsurance companies exist to manage the risk of others, which is why they are perceived to be competitive in risk management (RM). Considering this, we investigate how different RM capabilities make insurers effective in RM. These capabilities include understanding risk and risk management (URRM), risk identification (RI), risk assessment and analysis (RAA) and risk monitoring (RMON) activities in insurance companies. In addition, the authors probe how these capabilities can jointly yield a competitive advantage for the insurance industry under the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities perspective (DCP).Design/methodology/approachThe authors present a latent variable RM model for the insurance industry and employ structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses. Furthermore, the authors also conduct confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and convergent and discriminant validity analysis for model fit and invariance testing, respectively.FindingsThe results show that insurers who investigated RM-related capabilities directly influence their risk management practices (RMPs). Moreover, improving these capabilities will make insurers more effective in managing the risks of others. Thus, RM as a business process will yield a competitive advantage for the insurance sector. The findings are supported by the theoretical insights presented by the RBV and DCP. Furthermore, the model also adheres to the convergent and discriminant validity cut-off values.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study examining insurers' RM practices as a source of a competitive advantage.