bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of C‐terminal truncations in the Arabidopsis Rab escort protein (REP) on REP–Rab interaction and plant fertility
Authors: Gutkowska Małgorzata , Kaus‐Drobek Magdalena , Hoffman‐Sommer Marta , Małgorzata Pamuła Magdalena , Daria Leja Anna , Perycz Małgorzata , Lichocka Małgorzata , Witek Agnieszka , Wojtas Magdalena , Dadlez Michał , Swiezewska Ewa , Surmacz Liliana 
Published: September 2021

SUMMARYLipid anchors are common post‐translational modifications for proteins engaged in signaling and vesicular transport in eukaryotic cells. Rab proteins are geranylgeranylated at their C‐termini, a modification which is important for their stable binding to lipid bilayers. The Rab escort protein (REP) is an accessory protein of the Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (RGT) complex and it is obligatory for Rab prenylation. While REP–Rab interactions have been studied by biochemical, structural, and genetic methods in animals and yeast, data on the plant RGT complex are still limited. Here we use hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) to describe the structural basis of plant REP–Rab binding. The obtained results show that the interaction of REP with Rabs is highly dynamic and involves specific structural changes in both partners. In some cases the Rab and REP regions involved in the interaction are molecule‐specific, and in other cases they are common for a subset of Rabs. In particular, the C‐terminus of REP is not involved in binding of unprenylated Rab proteins in plants, in contrast to mammalian REP. In line with this, a C‐terminal REP truncation does not have pronounced phenotypic effects in planta. On the contrary, a complete lack of functional REP leads to male sterility in Arabidopsis: pollen grains develop in the anthers, but they do not germinate efficiently and hence are unable to transmit the mutated allele. The presented data show that the mechanism of action of REP in the process of Rab geranylgeranylation is different in plants than in animals or yeast.
Biomechanical comparison of screw and suture fixation for temporary transarticular tarsocrural immobilization in canine cadavers
Authors: Goffart Laura M. , Reif Ullrich , Hettlich Bianca F. , Kramer Martin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo biomechanically evaluate an ultrahigh–molecular‐weight polyethylene (UWMWPE) suture for temporary tarsocrural immobilization as a potential alternative to the existing surgical method, which uses a 4.5 AO/ASIF calcaneotibial cortical screw.Study designRandomized in vitro biomechanical study.AnimalsPelvic limbs (n = 20) from 10 euthanized adult dogs (average bodyweight of 29.9 kg ± 1.9 kg).MethodsTarsocrural joints were immobilized either with a 4.5 AO/ASIF screw or a 1 mm diameter UHMWPE suture. Limbs were loaded with 60 N, 120 N, and 180 N, each for 100 cycles. After cyclic loading, immobilizations were loaded until failure. Load at failure and mode of failure were recorded.ResultsBoth immobilization methods remained intact during loading with 60 N, 120 N, and 180 N. Mean and standard deviation (± SD) failure loads were higher for the cortical screw (524.9 N ± 148.7 N) than for the UHMWPE suture (387.8 N ± 105.6 N), P = .0084. The stiffness of both systems was equivalent.ConclusionBoth techniques were suitable for transarticular tarsocrural immobilization in large‐breed canine cadavers. While load at failure was higher for the screw compared to the suture construct, stiffness of both methods was comparable based on the laboratory settings in this in vitro study.Clinical significanceBased on the results of this study, both the cortical screw and the UHMWPE suture stabilized the tibiotarsal joint at clinically relevant loads. However, when exposed to high loads, the cortical screw provides increased tibiotarsal stability. Comparative data need to be collected prior to widespread use of UHMWPE sutures in clinical cases.
Nitrate‐rich beetroot juice ingestion reduces skeletal muscle O2 uptake and blood flow during exercise in sedentary men
Authors: Nyberg Michael , Christensen Peter M. , Blackwell Jamie R. , Hostrup Morten , Jones Andrew M. , Bangsbo Jens 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to reduce pulmonary O2 uptake during submaximal exercise and enhance exercise performance. However, the effects of nitrate supplementation on local metabolic and haemodynamic regulation in contracting human skeletal muscle remain unclear. To address this, eight healthy young male sedentary subjects were assigned in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover design to receive nitrate‐rich beetroot juice (NO3, 9 mmol) and placebo (PLA) 2.5 h prior to the completion of a double‐step knee‐extensor exercise protocol that included a transition from unloaded to moderate‐intensity exercise (MOD) followed immediately by a transition to intense exercise (HIGH). Compared with PLA, NO3 increased plasma levels of nitrate and nitrite. During MOD, leg and leg blood flow (LBF) were reduced to a similar extent (∼9%–15%) in NO3. During HIGH, leg was reduced by ∼6%–10% and LBF by ∼5%–9% (did not reach significance) in NO3. Leg kinetics was markedly faster in the transition from passive to MOD compared with the transition from MOD to HIGH both in NO3 and PLA with no difference between PLA and NO3. In NO3, a reduction in nitrate and nitrite concentration was detected between arterial and venous samples. No difference in the time to exhaustion was observed between conditions. In conclusion, elevation of plasma nitrate and nitrate reduces leg skeletal muscle and blood flow during exercise. However, nitrate supplementation does not enhance muscle kinetics during exercise, nor does it improve time to exhaustion when exercising with a small muscle mass.
imageKey points
Dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to reduce systemic O2 uptake during exercise and improve exercise performance.
The effects of nitrate supplementation on local metabolism and blood flow regulation in contracting human skeletal muscle remain unclear.
By using leg exercise engaging a small muscle mass, we show that O2 uptake and blood flow are similarly reduced in contracting skeletal muscle of humans during exercise.
Despite slower kinetics in the transition from moderate to intense exercise, no effects of nitrate supplementation were observed for kinetics and time to exhaustion.
Nitrate and nitrite concentrations are reduced across the exercising leg, suggesting that these ions are extracted from the arterial blood by contracting skeletal muscle.
Effect of Local Thermal Nonequilibrium on the Stability of the Flow in a Vertical Channel Filled With Nanofluid Saturated Porous Medium
Authors: Srinivasacharya D. , Barman Dipak 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The stability of nanofluid flow in a vertical channel packed with a porous medium is examined for the local thermal nonequilibrium state of the fluid, particle, and solid–matrix phases. The effects of Brownian motion along with thermophoresis are incorporated in the nanofluid model. The Darcy–Brinkman model for the flow in a porous medium and three-field model, each representing the fluid, particle, and solid–matrix phases separately, for the temperature is used. A normal mode analysis is used to obtain the eigenvalue problem for the perturbed state, which is then solved using the Chebyshev spectral collocation technique. The critical Rayleigh number and corresponding wavenumber are presented graphically for the effect of different local thermal nonequilibrium parameters. It is noticed that the influence of local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) parameters on convective instability is significant.
Numerical Model for Heat Transfer Processes in Dry Ash Conveyors
Authors: Schmidt Thomas 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The dry handling of bottom ash from coal-fired power plants has become more and more important in recent years due to a lack of water availability at the location of power plants or for environmental reasons. Hence, it is crucial that a sufficient cooling of the bottom ash can be ensured by the dry cooling air. In this work, a numerical model for the assessment of heat transfer processes in dry ash conveyors is developed and implemented via the software wolframmathematica. The model uses a newly introduced representative geometric quantity for ash particle geometry. In addition to the ash, cooling air is considered as an own phase for which a temperature solution is obtained. A numerical example, considering geometrical and operational data of an existing facility, shows that the main heat transfer between the ash and the cooling air takes place in the ash hopper, where convective heat transfer from ash to cooling air outweighs the effects from coke combustion and radiation from the boiler outlet area. The convective heat transfer in the ash hopper predominantly depends on the geometrical appearance, i.e., size and shape, of the particles, the grain density, as well as on the falling time/velocity. Conservatism of the calculation approach is indicated based on comparison of computed temperatures with measured data and literature values. The derived model can be used in future designs and projections of dry ash handling systems.
Entropy-Based Optimization for Heat Transfer Enhancement in Tubes With Helical Fins
Authors: Pidaparthi Bharath , Li Peiwen , Missoum Samy 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In this work, a tube with internal helical fins is analyzed and optimized from an entropy generation point of view. Helical fins, in addition to providing heat transfer enhancements, have the potential to level the temperature of the tube under nonuniform circumferential heating. In this work, the geometric parameters of internal helical fins are optimized under two different entropy-based formulations. Specifically, the optimal design solution obtained through the minimization of total entropy is compared with the solutions from the multiobjective optimization of the thermal and viscous entropy contributions when considered as two separate objectives. The latter quantities being associated with heat transfer and pressure drops, it is shown that, from a design optimization point of view, it is important to separate both entropies which are conflicting objectives.
Design of a Surgical Pen-Type Probe for Real-Time Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Emission Diagnosis
Authors: Yoon Ki-Cheol , Kim Kwang Gi , Lee Seung Hoon 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The advantage of handheld type surgical microscope is that the size of the probe is small and light, and that both the working distance (15–30 cm) and field of view (30 deg) can be adjusted. The shortness working distance will minimize the loss of light source energy. However, the currently developed handheld type surgical microscope is still large, heavy, and uses relatively high energy (600 mW/cm2). To address the aforementioned problems, this study aimed to develop a pen-type surgical fluorescence microscope that is compact, portable, and has an adjustable beam angle and working distance. These features enable real-time diagnosis. The pen-type probe consists of a laser diode, CMOS camera, light source brightness control device, filter, and power switch. The IR-cut filter inside the CMOS camera was removed to facilitate transmission of the fluorescence emission wavelength. In addition, a long-pass filter was attached to the camera so that the external light source was blocked and only the fluorescence emission wavelength was allowed to pass through. The performance of the pen-type probe was tested through a large animal experiment. Indocyanine green (2.5 mg/kg) was injected into a pig's vein. Fluorescence emission of 805-830 nm was achieved by irradiating an external light source (785 nm and 4 mW/cm2), and liver-uptake occurred after 2.4 min. The designed pen-type probe was capable of sufficiently fluorescence expression through low-energy irradiation, and the pen-type probe is small and light and easy to handle by hand because both the pen-based laser device and the camera device are integrated. In addition, it is easy to adjust the working distance and field of view.
An Experimental Investigation of Drilling Performance Improvement Using Reaming While Drilling
Authors: Roohi Abbas , Ashena Rahman , Thonhauser Gerhard , Finkbeiner Thomas , Gerbaud Laurent , Rasouli Vamegh 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This work investigates the drilling performance by reaming while drilling (RWD) using a dual-body bit and compared it with conventional drilling by a standard drilling bit. The dual-body bit consisted of a 2.45-in. pilot bit located at a short distance ahead of a 2.47 × 3.97-in. reamer. Conducting a series of drilling experiments at a simulation drilling rig with full monitoring sensors, we further studied the drilling performance as a function of the distance between the pilot bit and the reamer. This distance is a greatly important parameter affecting mud diffusion and the resultant change in pore pressure and stress. A method was devised to eliminate the drill-string vibration and its effect on the drilling performance and the energy consumed. The mechanical-specific energy (MSE) calculated for each case was considered as a drilling performance indicator. Using two laboratory experiments as well as analytical thermo-poro-elastic calculations of the Mechanical Specific Energy (MSE), the MSE changes were monitored and recorded. Comparison of this drilling performance indicator was used in both the RWD and the conventional drilling assembly to analyze the effect of RWD. Based on the results, with increasing the distance between the pilot bit and reamer, there is an increase in improvement of drilling performance in terms of MSE reduction. The best drilling performance indicator (MSE reduction of 84%) was observed with the greatest distance between the pilot bit and the reamer of 43.3 cm. The best drilling performance indicator (MSE reduction of 84%) was observed with the distance between the pilot bit and the reamer of 43.3 cm. This is considered a novel finding in reaming while drilling.
Increased Fat Oxidation During Arm Cycling Exercise in Adult Men With Spinal Cord Injury Compared With Noninjured Controls
Authors: Martín-Manjarrés Soraya , Rodríguez-López Carlos , Martín-García María , Vila-Maldonado Sara , Granados Cristina , Mata Esmeralda , Gil-Agudo Ángel , Rodríguez-Gómez Irene , Ara Ignacio 
Published: September 2021

People with spinal cord injury (SCI) tend to be more sedentary and increase fat accumulation, which could have a negative influence on metabolic flexibility. The aim of this study was to investigate the capacity to oxidize fat in a homogenous sample of men with thoracic SCI compared with healthy noninjured men during an arm cycling incremental test. Forty-one men, 21 with SCI and 20 noninjured controls, performed an incremental arm cycling test to determine peak fat oxidation (PFO) and the intensity of exercise that elicits PFO (Fatmax). PFO was expressed in absolute values (g/min) and relative to whole-body and upper-body lean mass ([mg·min−1]·kg−1) through three different models (adjusting by cardiorespiratory fitness and fat mass). Gross mechanical efficiency was also calculated. PFO was higher in SCI than in noninjured men (0.27 ± 0.07 vs. 0.17 ± 0.07 g/min; 5.39 ± 1.30 vs. 3.29 ± 1.31 [mg·min−1]·kg−1 whole-body lean mass; 8.28 ± 2.11 vs. 5.08 ± 2.12 [mg·min−1]·kg−1 upper-body lean mass). Fatmax was found at a significantly higher percentage of VO2peak in men with SCI (33.6% ± 8.2% vs. 23.6% ± 6.4%). Differences persisted and even increased in the fully adjustment model and at any intensity. Men with SCI showed significantly higher gross mechanical efficiency at 35 and 65 W than the noninjured group. Men with SCI showed higher fat oxidation when compared with noninjured men at any intensity, even increased after full adjustment for lean mass, fat mass, and cardiorespiratory fitness. These findings suggest that SCI men could improve their metabolic flexibility and muscle mass for greater efficiency, not being affected by their fat accumulation.
A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Aerobic Exercise on the Basal Level of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Chen Xiaoke , Sun Xinzheng , Gao Di , Qiu Dan , He Hui 
Published: September 2021

Circulatory endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in repairing damaged vascular endothelium and preventing cardiovascular diseases. The decrease in level of circulating EPCs in middle-aged and older adults can lead to an increase in cardiovascular events. Researchers have carried out several studies on the effects of aerobic exercise on circulating EPCs in middle-aged and older adults, but the results vary from one study to another. The aim of this study therefore is to systematically evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise on the basal level of circulating EPCs in middle-aged and older adults by meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trial studies on the effects of aerobic exercise on EPCs were searched for from CNKI, PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, research data were extracted, and the literature quality was evaluated by Cochrane scale. Software Review Manager (version 5.3) and Stata (version 15.0) were used for data analysis. A total of nine articles were included in this analysis, including 165 participants (40 healthy adults and 125 patients) who received exercise interventions and 162 participants (40 healthy adults and 122 patients) who served as the control, with an age range from 58 to 70 years. The meta-analysis found that long-term (≥12 weeks) aerobic exercise could improve the level of EPCs in the peripheral circulation (standardized mean differences [SMD] = 0.53, 95% confidence interval [0.30, 0.76], p < .01). The subgroup analysis found that aerobic exercise improved EPCs in healthy people better than in people with cardiovascular disease and that the intervention time needs to be over 12 weeks to have a significant impact. In conclusion, the authors suggest that middle-aged and older adults can improve their EPCs quantity by engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise four to five times per week for no less than 12 weeks to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Impact of Reduced Sampling Rate on Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity Monitoring and Machine Learning Activity Classification
Authors: Small Scott , Khalid Sara , Dhiman Paula , Chan Shing , Jackson Dan , Doherty Aiden , Price Andrew 
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Lowering the sampling rate of accelerometers in physical activity research can dramatically increase study monitoring periods through longer battery life; however, the effect of reduced sampling rate on activity metric validity is poorly documented. We therefore aimed to assess the effect of reduced sampling rate on measuring physical activity both overall and by specific behavior types. Methods: Healthy adults wore sets of two Axivity AX3 accelerometers on the dominant wrist and hip for 24 hr. At each location one accelerometer recorded at 25 Hz and the other at 100 Hz. Overall acceleration magnitude, time in moderate to vigorous activity, and behavioral activities were calculated and processed using both linear and nearest neighbor resampling. Correlation between acceleration magnitude and activity classifications at both sampling rates was calculated and linear regression was performed. Results: Of the 54 total participants, 45 contributed >20 hr of hip wear time and 51 contributed >20 hr of wrist wear time. Strong correlation was observed between 25- and 100-Hz sampling rates in overall activity measurement (r = .97–.99), yet consistently lower activity was observed in data collected at 25 Hz (3.1%–13.9%). Reduced sleep and light activity and increased sedentary time was classified in 25-Hz data by machine learning models. Discrepancies were greater when linear interpolation resampling was used in postprocessing. Conclusions: The 25- and 100-Hz accelerometer data are highly correlated with predictable differences, which can be accounted for in interstudy comparisons. Sampling rate and resampling methods should be consistently reported in physical activity studies, carefully considered in study design, and tailored to the outcome of interest.
Mammalian in vitro gametogenesis
Authors: Saitou Mitinori , Hayashi Katsuhiko 
Published: September 2021

Reconstituting reproduction in culture
Research on in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) aims to reconstitute germ cell development, oogenesis and spermatogenesis, in culture. Saitou and Hayashi review some of the recent developments in mammalian IVG. Advances in methods and culture conditions in mice to generate mature oocytes and spermatocytes from pluripotent stem cells have informed similar studies with nonhuman primate and human cells, but differences among species are clear. IVG has great potential for reproductive medicine, including novel diagnosis and modeling of infertility. The realization of human IVG requires further intensive efforts, but as technical hurtles are overcome, careful consideration must be given to the potential application of methods for reproductive purposes. —BAP
Nudging toward vaccination: a systematic review
Authors: Reñosa Mark Donald C , Landicho Jeniffer , Wachinger Jonas , Dalglish Sarah L , Bärnighausen Kate , Bärnighausen Till , McMahon Shannon A 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundVaccine hesitancy (VH) and the global decline of vaccine coverage are a major global health threat, and novel approaches for increasing vaccine confidence and uptake are urgently needed. ‘Nudging’, defined as altering the environmental context in which a decision is made or a certain behaviour is enacted, has shown promising results in several health promotion strategies. We present a comprehensive synthesis of evidence regarding the value and impact of nudges to address VH.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review to determine if nudging can mitigate VH and improve vaccine uptake. Our search strategy used Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and non-MeSH terms to identify articles related to nudging and vaccination in nine research databases. 15 177 titles were extracted and assessed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The final list of included articles was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework.FindingsIdentified interventions are presented according to a framework for behaviour change, MINDSPACE. Articles (n=48) from 10 primarily high-income countries were included in the review. Nudging-based interventions identified include using reminders and recall, changing the way information is framed and delivered to an intended audience, changing the messenger delivering information, invoking social norms and emotional affect (eg, through storytelling, dramatic narratives and graphical presentations), and offering incentives or changing defaults. The most promising evidence exists for nudges that offer incentives to parents and healthcare workers, that make information more salient or that use trusted messengers to deliver information. The effectiveness of nudging interventions and the direction of the effect varies substantially by context. Evidence for some approaches is mixed, highlighting a need for further research, including how successful interventions can be adapted across settings.ConclusionNudging-based interventions show potential to increase vaccine confidence and uptake, but further evidence is needed for the development of clear recommendations. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic increases the urgency of undertaking nudging-focused research.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020185817.