bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel TMEM16B shapes the response time course of olfactory sensory neurons
Authors: Reisert Johannes , Pifferi Simone , Guarneri Giorgia , Ricci Chiara , Menini Anna , Dibattista Michele 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMammalian olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) generate an odorant‐induced response by sequentially activating two ion channels, which are in their ciliary membranes. First, a cationic, Ca2+‐permeable cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel is opened following odorant stimulation via a G protein‐coupled transduction cascade and an ensuing rise in cAMP. Second, the increase in ciliary Ca2+ opens the excitatory Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel TMEM16B, which carries most of the odorant‐induced receptor current. While the role of TMEM16B in amplifying the response has been well established, it is less understood how this secondary ion channel contributes to response kinetics and action potential generation during single as well as repeated stimulation and, on the other hand, which response properties the cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) channel determines. We first demonstrate that basic membrane properties such as input resistance, resting potential and voltage‐gated currents remained unchanged in OSNs that lack TMEM16B. The CNG channel predominantly determines the response delay and adaptation during odorant exposure, while the absence of the Cl− channels shortens both the time the response requires to reach its maximum and the time to terminate after odorant stimulation. This faster response termination in Tmem16b knockout OSNs allows them, somewhat counterintuitively despite the large reduction in receptor current, to fire action potentials more reliably when stimulated repeatedly in rapid succession, a phenomenon that occurs both in isolated OSNs and in OSNs within epithelial slices. Thus, while the two olfactory ion channels act in concert to generate the overall response, each one controls specific aspects of the odorant‐induced response.
imageKey points
Mammalian olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) generate odorant‐induced responses by activating two ion channels sequentially in their ciliary membranes: a Na+, Ca2⁺‐permeable cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) channel and the Ca2⁺‐activated Cl⁻ channel TMEM16B.
The CNG channel controls response delay and adaptation during odorant exposure, while TMEM16B amplifies the response and influences the time required for the response to reach its peak and terminate.
OSNs lacking TMEM16B display faster response termination, allowing them to fire action potentials more reliably during rapid repeated stimulation.
The CNG and TMEM16B channels have distinct and complementary roles in shaping the kinetics and reliability of odorant‐induced responses in OSNs.
A Simplified Thermal Hydraulic Model for Solid Pin-Fueled Molten Salt Reactors Under Low-Flow Accident Scenarios
Authors: Chandrasekaran Sriram , Garimella Srinivas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (FHRs) are an emerging category of next generation reactors. A thermal hydraulic modeling tool that can perform fluid flow and heat transfer analyses in the core region of the reactor during normal operation and under postulated accident scenarios is essential to enable the further development of preconceptual FHRs. While accident scenarios that involve high core inlet flow rates, such as loss of heat sink and reactivity insertion accidents can be analyzed using simpler flow models, accidents involving low-flow situations such as loss of forced flow due to coolant pump failure typically require more complex models with tight coupling between momentum and energy equations due to the buoyancy dominated flows in these postulated accident scenarios. This study develops a core-level thermal hydraulic model with simplifications to provide a conservative estimate for core temperatures during loss of forced flow accidents. The key simplification is that the model neglects reversed and recirculating flows that could exist in buoyancy-driven flows, which have the net effect of reducing the transverse temperature gradient in the fuel assembly pin bundle regions, thus reducing the core temperatures encountered during the natural circulation accident. The objective of this simplified model is to provide a first-pass, conservative estimate of the peak fuel, graphite, and coolant temperatures, which is particularly useful when evaluating different safety system designs. Further optimization of a few down selected safety systems could use more complex models that would incur a substantially higher computational expense.
Performance Analysis and Optimum Design of a Direct Alcohol Fuel Cell Fueled With Mixed Alcohols
Authors: Zhang Xiuqin , Yang Zhimin , Chen Jincan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The full oxidation of ethanol in a direct alcohol fuel cell remains a significant technical obstacle. A thermodynamic model of the cell has been developed, incorporating a mixed solution of methanol and ethanol, which considers the oxidation of methanol as well as the complete and incomplete oxidations of ethanol. If the activities of the catalysts at electrodes are stable, the effects of C–C bond cleavage in alcohol and further oxidation of intermediates on the performance of the cell can be quantitatively described. The physical driving force of the electrochemical reactions is displayed by using thermodynamics, then the irreversible losses from the ionization activity, ohm resistance, and finite-rate diffusion of fuels are considered, and finally, the optimization criterion is determined. The optimum power density and optimum efficiency are monotonically decreasing functions of the molar concentration of ethanol in the solution. However, the molar concentration of ethanol in the cell is suggested smaller than 0.0107 mol/cm3 to balance the two performance indicators. In such a range, the optimum power density and optimum efficiency are greater than 0.7626 J/s/cm2 and 19.6%, respectively, and the required molar composition of alcoholic solution at the inlet of the channel, the molar concentration of methanol, and three partial current densities in the cell are proposed. The research supplies a novel way to improve the performance of direct alcohol fuel cells.
Genetic evidence for a regulated cysteine protease catalytic triad in LegA7, a
Legionella pneumophila
protein that impinges on a stress response pathway
Authors: Hershkovitz Dar , Chen Emy J. , Ensminger Alexander W. , Dugan Aisling S. , Conway Kaleigh T. , Joyce Alex C. , Segal Gil , Isberg Ralph R. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Legionella pneumophila
grows within membrane-bound vacuoles in phylogenetically diverse hosts. Intracellular growth requires the function of the Icm/Dot type-IVb secretion system, which translocates more than 300 proteins into host cells. A screen was performed to identify
L. pneumophila
proteins that stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, using Icm/Dot translocated proteins ectopically expressed in mammalian cells. In parallel, a second screen was performed to identify
L. pneumophila
proteins expressed in yeast that cause growth inhibition in MAPK pathway-stimulatory high-osmolarity medium. LegA7 was shared in both screens, a protein predicted to be a member of the bacterial cysteine protease family that has five carboxyl-terminal ankyrin repeats. Three conserved residues in the predicted catalytic triad of LegA7 were mutated. These mutations abolished the ability of LegA7 to inhibit yeast growth. To identify other residues important for LegA7 function, a generalizable selection strategy in yeast was devised to isolate mutants that have lost function and no longer cause growth inhibition on a high-osmolarity medium. Mutations were isolated in the two carboxyl-terminal ankyrin repeats, as well as an inter-domain region located between the cysteine protease domain and the ankyrin repeats. These mutations were predicted by AlphaFold modeling to localize to the face opposite from the catalytic site, arguing that they interfere with the positive regulation of the catalytic activity. Based on our data, we present a model in which LegA7 harbors a cysteine protease domain with an inter-domain and two carboxyl-terminal ankyrin repeat regions that modulate the function of the catalytic domain.

IMPORTANCE

Legionella pneumophila
grows in a membrane-bound compartment in macrophages during disease. Construction of the compartment requires a dedicated secretion system that translocates virulence proteins into host cells. One of these proteins, LegA7, is shown to activate a stress response pathway in host cells called the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The effects on the mammalian MAPK pathway were reconstructed in yeast, allowing the development of a strategy to identify the role of individual domains of LegA7. A domain similar to cysteine proteases is demonstrated to be critical for impinging on the MAPK pathway, and the catalytic activity of this domain is required for targeting this path. In addition, a conserved series of repeats, called ankyrin repeats, controls this activity. Data are provided that argue the interaction of the ankyrin repeats with unknown targets probably results in activation of the cysteine protease domain.
Cold seep nitrogen fixation and its potential relationship with sulfur cycling
Authors: Quan Qiumei , Liu Jiaxing , Xia Xiaomin , Zhang Si , Ke Zhixin , Wang Minxiao , Tan Yehui 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Dinitrogen (N
2
) fixation is a crucial source of bioavailable nitrogen in carbon-dominated cold seep systems. Previous studies have shown that diazotrophy is not necessarily dependent on sulfate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane for energy, and diverse catabolism can fuel the high-energy-demanding process in sediments. However, it remains unclear whether diazotroph can obtain energy by sulfur oxidation in sulfur-rich cold seep water column. Here, field investigations and
in situ
experiments were conducted in Haima cold seep to examine the effects of diverse sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on N
2
fixation, specifically containing sulfur, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. We found that active N
2
fixation occurred in the water column above the Haima cold seep, with the
Dechloromonas
genus dominating the diazotroph community as revealed by
nifH
gene using high-throughput sequencing.
In situ
experiments showed an increased rate of N
2
fixation (1.15- to 12.70-fold compared to that in control group) and a greater relative abundance of the
Dechloromonas
genus following enrichment with sulfur-containing organic matter. Furthermore, metagenomic assembly and binning revealed that
Dechloromonas
sp. carried genes related to N
2
fixation (
nifDHK
) and sulfur compound oxidation (
fccAB
and
soxABCXYZ
), implying that the genus potentially serves as a multifunctional mediator for N
2
fixation and sulfur cycling. Our results provide new insights regarding potential coupling mechanism associated with sulfur-driven N
2
fixation in methane- and sulfide-rich environments.

IMPORTANCE

N2 fixation is an important source of biologically available in carbon-dominated cold seep systems as little nitrogen is released by hydrocarbon seepage, thereby promoting biological productivity and the degradation of non-nitrogenous organic matter. Cold seeps are rich in diverse sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from the sinking of photosynthetic products in euphotic layer and the release of chemosynthesis products on the seafloor. However, it remains unclear whether N2 fixation is coupled to the metabolic processes of DOM, as determined by e.g., carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur content, for energy acquisition in sulfur-rich cold seeps. In this study, diazotroph community structure and its response to DOM compositions were revealed. Moreover, the metagenomics analysis suggested that
Dechloromonas
genus plays a dominant role in potential coupling N2 fixation and sulfur oxidation. Our study highlighted that sulfur oxidation in deep-sea cold seeps may serve as an energy source to drive N2 fixation.
Prevalence and associated factors of cancer-related fatigue among adult patients with cancer attending oncology units: an institution-based cross-sectional study design in the Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Zeleke Gebreeyesus , Worku Workie Zemene , Ayele Desalegn 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionCancer-related fatigue (CRF) continues to be a common problem among most patients with cancer. It is a subjective feeling of tiredness, weakness or lack of energy. CRF has a significant impact on social interactions, everyday activities and the general quality of life of patients with cancer worldwide. However, little is known about CRF in Ethiopia as well as in the current study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of CRF among adult patients attending oncology units at the comprehensive specialised hospitals in the Amhara regional state of Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with cancer undergoing treatment. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and participants’ medical charts were used to collect the data. The questionnaire consisted of eight subsections, including sociodemographic characteristics, behavioural characteristics, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Performance Status Scale, Oslo Social Support Status, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and clinical and medical factors. The data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and exported into SPSS V.26 for analysis. The participants’ characteristics were compiled using descriptive statics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify associations between dependent and independent variables. Variables with a value of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultA total of 326 randomly selected patients with cancer, undergoing treatment, participated in this study; the response rate was 94%. The prevalence of CRF was found to be 63.93% (95% CI 58.5% to 69.25%). Depression (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.975, 95% CI 1.009 to 3.865), poor sleep quality (AOR 3.309, 95% CI 1.057 to 10.345), poor performance status (AOR 1.983, 95% CI 1.176 to 4.70), cancer stage (AOR 3.242, 95% CI 1.016 to 10.342) and admitted patients with cancer (AOR 2.047, 95% CI 1.122 to 3.734) were associated with CRF.Conclusion and recommendationThe prevalence of CRF was found to be high. Stage of cancer, poor sleep quality, poor performance status, depression and hospital admission were significant factors. The results show that healthcare providers should focus on risk factors as well as CRF through early screening and management.
Determination of plasma lysophosphatidylethanolamines (lyso-PE) by LC-MS/MS revealed a possible relation between obesity and lyso-PE in Japanese preadolescent children: The Hokkaido study
Authors: Inoue Nao , Gowda Siddabasave Gowda B. , Gowda Divyavani , Sakurai Toshihiro , Ikeda-Araki Atsuko , Bamai Yu Ait , Ketema Rahel Mesfin , Kishi Reiko , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu-Ping 
Published: August 2024

Background Lysophosphatidylethanolamines (lyso-PEs) are the partial hydrolysis products of phosphatidylethanolamine. Although lyso-PEs are important biomarkers in various diseases, their determination is limited by the lack of simple and efficient quantification methods. This study aims to develop an improved quantitative method for the determination of lyso-PEs and its application to an epidemiological study. Methods Single reaction monitoring channels by collision-induced dissociation for seven lyso-PEs were established using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma lyso-PEs were extracted with a single-phase method using an isotopically labelled internal standard for quantification. The proposed method was adopted to define lyso-PEs in plasma samples of children aged 9–12 years living in Sapporo, Japan. Results The limit of detection and limit of quantification for each lyso-PE ranged between 0.001–0.015 and 0.002–0.031 pmol/ μL, respectively. Recoveries were found to be > 91% for all the species. The analysis results of children’s plasma showed that the total lyso-PE concentrations in boys ( n = 181) and girls ( n = 161) were 11.53 and 11.00 pmol/ μL (median), respectively. Participants were further classified by the percentage of overweight and subgrouped as underweight ( n = 12), normal range ( n = 292), or overweight ( n = 38). Interestingly, the reduction of lyso-PE 16:0 and increased lyso-PE 22:6 were observed in overweight children compared with normal range (Fold change: 0.909 and 1.174, respectively). Conclusions This study successfully established a simple quantitative method to determine lyso-PE concentrations. Furthermore, our method revealed the possible relation between plasma lyso-PEs and overweight status.
Who has ICT Access in India?  A Gender-based Analysis
Authors: Jain Ritika 
Published: August 2024

This article examines the determinants of India’s information and communications technology (ICT) access. We use the second wave of the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) of 2011–2012, a nationally representative survey at the individual level, and find that ICT ownership and usage are abysmally low for women compared to men. Using probit and sample selection models to capture determinants of ICT access, we find women are disadvantaged in owning and using ICT systems. By re-estimating our models separately for men and women, we find that marriage has an opposite effect on the two genders—it has a positive impact on men owning and using ICT systems and a negative effect on women. As an extension, we also find that networks strongly influence ICT access. While social networks improve the probability of owning ICT devices for women, political connections enhance the propensity to use ICTs for men. JEL Codes: O33, O35
Exploring the contribution of carotid artery disease to the onset of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathies: A systematic review
Authors: Ripa Matteo , Schipa Chiara , Aceto Paola , Tshomba Yamume , Rizzo Stanislao , Baldascino Antonio , Donati Tommaso 
Published: August 2024

Purpose The role of carotid artery disease (CAD) in the development of various types of ocular arterial occlusive disorders has often been reported. This systematic review aims to evaluate and review the current evidence regarding the role of CAD and the subsequent carotid artery hemodynamic alterations in the development of non-arteritic anterior (NA-AION) and posterior (NA-PION) ischemic optic neuropathy. Methods We systematically reviewed studies following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for relevant studies that clearly assessed the role of CAD and the subsequent carotid artery hemodynamic alterations in the development of NA-AION and NA-PION. All studies that examined the associations between CAD and the development of NA-AION and NA-PION in adults aged 18 years or older were synthesized. Quality assessment using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS), and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports and Case-Series were also conducted. Results Our search identified 1933 manuscripts published in the English language. The number of participants with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-ION) ranged from 1 to 191, with a total of 478 patients experiencing either NA-AION (410 out of 478), NA-PION (13 out of 478), or a combination of thereof (1 out of 478). The number of participants with NA-ION due to atherosclerosis ranged from 1 to 191, with a total of 376 patients. Conclusions Although carotid artery disease may rarely contribute to the development of NA-ION, it should be considered as a possible cause of NA-ION.
Binary Soong grading as a predictor for flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture after distal radial fracture fixation: a retrospective study
Authors: Dijkmans Anjuli L. , Laane Charlotte L. E. , Fernandez Dell’Oca Alberto , Jupiter Jesse B. , Garg Rohit , Bhashyam Abhiram R. 
Published: August 2024

This retrospective cohort study evaluates the concordance between Soong grades classified from radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans and whether a Soong grade ≥1 is associated with flexor pollicis longus (FPL) injury and reoperation incidence. We included 181 patients with 185 dorsally displaced distal radial fractures treated with anterior locking plates. For the analysis of binary Soong grades, grade 0 was compared with grades 1 and 2. A moderate correlation was found between Soong grades on radiographs and CT scans (MCC 0.66). FPL injury occurred in 3% (6/185) and reoperation in 15% (28/185) of cases. There was no statistically significant difference between Soong grades when correlated with the incidence of FPL injury or reoperation, but no patients with a Soong grade 0 had an FPL injury. Binary Soong grading is non-inferior in predictive value and has a better correlation between radiographs and CT scans. Using the Soong classification as a binary system may be easier than a ternary system in clinical practice. Level of evidence: IV
Proactive systematic hemophilia carrier screening: a step toward gender equity in hemophilia care
Authors: Krumb Evelien , Lambert Catherine , Van Damme An , Hermans Cedric 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Despite numerous efforts to raise awareness, many hemophilia carriers and female persons with hemophilia (PWHs) remain undiagnosed. Between May 2021 and April 2023, we identified potential and obligate carriers of hemophilia A (HA) and hemophilia B (HB) by updating pedigrees of all PWHs followed at the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels. Retrospective data on previously screened females were collected, including bleeding history, coagulation factor levels, and testing for the proband’s pathogenic variant. In addition, a proactive approach involved sending 125 invitation letters to unscreened or incompletely screened individuals, through related PWHs. In pedigrees of 287 male PWHs (226 HA and 61 HB) and 7 female index patients from 236 families (184 HA and 52 HB), a total of 900 female individuals were identified. Of those, 454 were obligate and/or genetically proven carriers, and 118 were noncarriers. Genetic testing was conducted in 133 obligate, 237 potential, and 4 sporadic carriers, with 190 obligate and 328 potential carriers remaining untested. Among carriers with known factor levels (261/454), 42 HA (23.0%) and 23 HB carriers (29.5%) had a factor level &lt;40 IU/dL. Carriers with a factor deficiency were screened on average 6 years earlier than other females (P = .034). This study, to our knowledge, represents the first systematic effort to identify potential carriers among families of all PWHs within a single center, emphasizing the challenges in comprehensive screening for female individuals genetically linked to one or more PWHs. Such initiatives are vital for achieving equitable access to hemophilia care for all potentially affected individuals, irrespective of gender. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT05217992.