bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Underdogs and favorites: Past, present, and future
Authors: Pettit Nathan C. , Doyle Sarah P. , Lount Robert B. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article highlights the value in taking a multi‐temporal perspective to the literature on underdogs and favorites in competitive contexts. We contend that an inherent feature of the psychological experience of being an underdog or favorite is the coexistence of thoughts related to the past and future. Building upon this key insight, we adopt a multi‐temporal lens to compare current research on underdogs and favorites to the broader literature studying competition and motivation in intergroup contexts, with the goal of identifying possible areas of coherence and contradiction in relation to other relevant theoretical frameworks. Through this analysis, we put forth a set of what we hope are thought‐provoking research questions that are intended to guide and inspire future work in this domain.
Bartonella species in dromedaries and ruminants from Lower Shabelle and Benadir regions, Somalia
Authors: Osman Aamir M. , Hassan‐Kadle Ahmed A. , Dias Clara Morato , Ibrahim Abdalla M. , Collere Flávia C. M. , Shair Mohamed A. , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , André Marcos R. , Yusuf Abdulkarim A. , Vieira Thállitha S. W. J. , Machado Rosangela Z. , Vieira Rafael F. C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundBartonellosis, caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella, is a zoonotic disease with several mammalian reservoir hosts. In Somalia, a country heavily reliant on livestock, zoonotic diseases pose significant public health and economic challenges. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been performed aiming to verify the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in Somalia. This study investigated the occurrence and molecular characterization of Bartonella in dromedary (Camelus dromedarius, Linnaeus, 1758), cattle, sheep, and goats from Somalia.Materials and Methods530 blood samples were collected from various animals (155 dromedary, 199 goat, 131 cattle, and 45 sheep) in Benadir and Lower Shabelle regions. DNA was extracted for molecular analysis, and a qPCR assay targeting the NADH dehydrogenase gamma subunit (nuoG) gene was used for Bartonella screening. Positive samples were also subjected to PCR assays targeting seven molecular markers including: nuoG, citrate synthase gene (gltA), RNA polymerase beta‐subunit gene (rpoB), riboflavin synthase gene (ribC), 60 kDa heat‐shock protein gene (groEL), cell division protein gene (ftsZ), and pap31 and qPCR targeting the 16‐23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) followed by Sanger sequencing, BLASTn and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsOut of 530 tested animals, 5.1% were positive for Bartonella spp. by the nuoG qPCR assay. Goats showed the highest Bartonella occurrence (17/199, 8.5%), followed by sheep (6/44, 6.8%), cattle (4/131, 3.1%), and dromedary (1/155, 1.9%). Goats, sheep, and cattle had higher odds of infection compared to dromedary. Among nuoG qPCR‐positive samples, 11.1%, 14.8%, 11.1%, and 25.9% were positive in PCR assays based on nuoG, gltA, and pap31 genes, and in the qPCR based on the ITS region, respectively. On the other hand, nuoG qPCR‐positive samples were negative in the PCR assays targeting the ribC, rpoB, ftsZ, and groEL genes. While Bartonella bovis sequences were detected in cattle (nuoG and ITS) and goats (gltA), Bartonella henselae ITS sequences were detected in dromedary, goat, and sheep. Phylogenetic analysis placed gltA Bartonella sequence from a goat in the same clade of B. bovis.ConclusionThe present study showed, for the first time, molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. in dromedary and ruminants from Somalia and B. henselae in sheep and goats globally. These findings contribute valuable insights into Bartonella spp. occurrence in Somali livestock, highlighting the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures under the One Health approach.
Using Machine Learning Tools for Rotating Stall Warning in a Contra-Rotating Compressor
Authors: Xue Fei , Wang Yangang , Liu Qian , Wu Tong , Liu Hanru 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This paper takes a low-speed axial contra-rotating compressor as the experimental object, and the sensor array is used to collect the pressure sequences in stall conditions for different speed configurations. These pressure data sets are then preprocessed to train the neural networks. A self-learning stall threshold method based on kernel density estimation (KDE) is utilized to obtain the alarm thresholds. By utilizing the best-performing long short-term memory (LSTM) model to predict the stall initiation time for 15 speed configurations with different stall characteristics, the results show that the model can provide early warning before stall for 11 speed configurations. For the rest four speed configurations, the stall initiation time predicted by LSTM is unsatisfactory. To overcome the poor generalizability of LSTM, a convolutional neural network (CNN) combined with LSTM (CNN–LSTM) stall warning method is developed. The stall warning results indicate that the CNN–LSTM has a better capability in fitting the nonlinear pressure stall data and issues warnings before a stall occurs for all speed configurations. By comparing the pressure time series predicted by LSTM and CNN–LSTM, it is obvious that the CNN–LSTM is more sensitive to perturbations than before stall occurs.
Transcriptomic profiling of haloarchaeal denitrification through RNA-Seq analysis
Authors: Miralles-Robledillo Jose María , Martínez-Espinosa Rosa María , Pire Carmen 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Denitrification, a crucial biochemical pathway prevalent among haloarchaea in hypersaline ecosystems, has garnered considerable attention in recent years due to its ecological implications. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms and genetic regulation governing this respiration/detoxification process in haloarchaea remain largely unexplored. In this study, RNA-sequencing was used to compare the transcriptomes of the haloarchaeon
Haloferax mediterranei
under oxic and denitrifying conditions, shedding light on the intricate metabolic alterations occurring within the cell, such as the accurate control of the metal homeostasis. Furthermore, the investigation identifies several genes encoding transcriptional regulators and potential accessory proteins with putative roles in denitrification. Among these are bacterioopsin-like transcriptional activators, proteins harboring a domain of unknown function (DUF2249), and cyanoglobin. In addition, the study delves into the genetic regulation of denitrification, finding a regulatory motif within promoter regions that activates numerous denitrification-related genes. This research serves as a starting point for future molecular biology studies in haloarchaea, offering a promising avenue to unravel the intricate mechanisms governing haloarchaeal denitrification, a pathway of paramount ecological importance.

IMPORTANCE

Denitrification, a fundamental process within the nitrogen cycle, has been subject to extensive investigation due to its close association with anthropogenic activities, and its contribution to the global warming issue, mainly through the release of N
2
O emissions. Although our comprehension of denitrification and its implications is generally well established, most studies have been conducted in non-extreme environments with mesophilic microorganisms. Consequently, there is a significant knowledge gap concerning extremophilic denitrifiers, particularly those inhabiting hypersaline environments. The significance of this research was to delve into the process of haloarchaeal denitrification, utilizing the complete denitrifier haloarchaeon
Haloferax mediterranei
as a model organism. This research led to the analysis of the metabolic state of this microorganism under denitrifying conditions and the identification of regulatory signals and genes encoding proteins potentially involved in this pathway, serving as a valuable resource for future molecular studies.
Prevalence of Slam-dependent hemophilins in Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Shin Hyejin Esther , Pan Chuxi , Curran David M. , Bateman Thomas J. , Chong Derrick H. Y. , Ng Dixon , Shah Megha , Moraes Trevor F. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Iron acquisition systems are crucial for pathogen growth and survival in iron-limiting host environments. To overcome nutritional immunity, bacterial pathogens evolved to use diverse mechanisms to acquire iron. Here, we examine a heme acquisition system that utilizes hemophores called hemophilins which are also referred to as HphAs in several Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we report three new HphA structures from
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
,
Vibrio harveyi
, and
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
. Structural determination of HphAs revealed an N-terminal clamp-like domain that binds heme and a C-terminal eight-stranded β-barrel domain that shares the same architecture as the Slam-dependent Neisserial surface lipoproteins. The genetic organization of HphAs consists of genes encoding a Slam homolog and a TonB-dependent receptor (TBDR). We investigated the Slam-HphA system in the native organism or the reconstituted system in
Escherichia coli
cells and found that the efficient secretion of HphA depends on Slam. The TBDR also played an important role in heme uptake and conferred specificity for its cognate HphA. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis of HphA homologs revealed that HphAs are conserved in the alpha, beta, and gammaproteobacteria. Together, these results show that the Slam-dependent HphA-type hemophores are prevalent in Gram-negative bacteria and further expand the role of Slams in transporting soluble proteins.

IMPORTANCE

This paper describes the structure and function of a family of Slam (Type IX secretion System) secreted hemophores that bacteria use to uptake heme (iron) while establishing an infection. Using structure-based bioinformatics analysis to define the diversity and prevalence of this heme acquisition pathway, we discovered that a large portion of gammaproteobacterial harbors this system. As organisms, including
Acinetobacter baumannii
, utilize this system to facilitate survival during host invasion, the identification of this heme acquisition system in bacteria species is valuable information and may represent a target for antimicrobials.
The
Bacillus subtilis yqgC-sodA
operon protects magnesium-dependent enzymes by supporting manganese efflux
Authors: Sachla Ankita J. , Soni Vijay , Piñeros Miguel , Luo Yuanchan , Im Janice J. , Rhee Kyu Y. , Helmann John D. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Microbes encounter a myriad of stresses during their life cycle. Dysregulation of metal ion homeostasis is increasingly recognized as a key factor in host–microbe interactions. Bacterial metal ion homeostasis is tightly regulated by dedicated metalloregulators that control uptake, sequestration, trafficking, and efflux. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the
Bacillus subtilis yqgC-sodA
(YS) complex operon, but not deletion of the individual genes, causes hypersensitivity to manganese (Mn). YqgC is an integral membrane protein of unknown function, and SodA is a Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). The YS strain has reduced expression of two Mn efflux proteins, MneP and MneS, consistent with the observed Mn sensitivity. The YS strain accumulated high levels of Mn, had increased reactive radical species (RRS), and had broad metabolic alterations that can be partially explained by the inhibition of Mg-dependent enzymes. Although the YS operon deletion strain and an efflux-deficient
mneP mneS
double mutant both accumulate Mn and have similar metabolic perturbations, they also display phenotypic differences. Several mutations that suppressed Mn intoxication of the
mneP mneS
efflux mutant did not benefit the YS mutant. Further, Mn intoxication in the YS mutant, but not the
mneP mneS
strain, was alleviated by expression of Mg-dependent, chorismate-utilizing enzymes of the
m
enaquinone,
s
iderophore, and
t
ryptophan (MST) family. Therefore, despite their phenotypic similarities, the Mn sensitivity in the
mneP mneS
and the YS deletion mutants results from distinct enzymatic vulnerabilities.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria require multiple trace metal ions for survival. Metal homeostasis relies on the tightly regulated expression of metal uptake, storage, and efflux proteins. Metal intoxication occurs when metal homeostasis is perturbed and often results from enzyme mis-metalation. In
Bacillus subtilis
, Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the most abundant Mn-containing protein and is important for oxidative stress resistance. Here, we report novel roles for MnSOD and a co-regulated membrane protein, YqgC, in Mn homeostasis. Loss of both MnSOD and YqgC (but not the individual proteins) prevents the efficient expression of Mn efflux proteins and leads to a large-scale perturbation of the metabolome due to inhibition of Mg-dependent enzymes, including key chorismate-utilizing MST (menaquinone, siderophore, and tryptophan) family enzymes.
Geodetic constraints on three-component motion of the Ordos block (China) and their implications for lithospheric dynamics
Authors: Li Zhangjun , Hao Ming , Hammond William C. , Cheng Feng , Zhang Guoqing , Wang Qingliang , Liu Liwei , Hou Bowen , Gan Weijun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The Ordos block is a rigid portion of the North China Craton lying within the India-Eurasia collision zone that experiences little internal deformation, but is surrounded by active faulting, extensional grabens, and seismicity. In the surrounding region, geodetic studies have imaged complex crustal deformation, while seismic studies have suggested that the lithosphere is encountering regional modification by mantle convection. The Ordos block thus presents a valuable opportunity to compare seismic and geodetic constraints and investigate geodynamic processes affecting the region’s lithosphere. We here robustly image vertical land motion and horizontal strain rates using observations from the geographically extensive Global Navigation Satellite System and leveling networks in and around the Ordos block. Our results indicate that the Ordos block uplifts with some lateral variability at 0.5–2.0 mm/yr. In the northeastern Ordos block and Datong volcanic area, the crustal uplift rates are 2.0–4.0 mm/yr on average, much faster than those elsewhere on the block. We correct for non-tectonic vertical motion from surface hydrological loading and glacial isostatic adjustment, finding that these do not explain the vertical rate anomalies. Horizontal crustal extension and uplift are accompanied by a pattern of crustal contraction at the Datong volcanic field. Additionally, we find uplift west of and subsidence east of the Qinling Orogenic Belt, which are inconsistent with eastward crustal extrusion along it, suggesting instead a negligible migration of crustal materials especially to the east of 106°E. Comparing the geodetic measurements to evidence from seismic velocity anomalies and numerical simulation, we argue that the motions are consistent with lithospheric re-equilibration resulting from the heterogeneous thinning of the lithosphere by convective mantle upwelling and radial flow as well as shortening from the India-Eurasia collision.
Chlorite chemical refinement during giant quartz vein formation
Authors: González-Esvertit Eloi , Canals Àngels , Bons Paul D. , Casas Josep Maria , Nieto Fernando , Gomez-Rivas Enrique 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The major elemental composition of chlorite is widely used for petrogenetic investigations on low-temperature geological processes. However, compositional variations of chlorite within a given tectonic environment are common and, when overlooked, can lead to erroneous petrological interpretations. We thoroughly investigate chlorites occurring within giant quartz veins (GQVs) in the basement rocks of the Pyrenees. These structures have widths of up to tens of meters and lengths of kilometers and form in both mid-crustal ductile and upper-crustal seismogenic domains. Texturally constrained chlorite analyses and spatially resolved whole-rock elemental analyses reveal a progressive chemical evolution of chlorite coupled to GQV formation. Six chlorite generations that were distinguished according to their texture show consistent chemical variations at the microscale. Host rock– and quartz vein–related chlorites are the textural and compositional endmembers. Between them, a progressive chemical refinement occurred in transitional chlorite compositions linked to host rock, vein quartz, and pressure-solution microstructures, in accordance with significant fluid-rock interactions leading to GQV formation. This rock alteration process is further confirmed at the macroscale by the progressive depletion of all major and trace elements but silica, with decreasing distance toward GQVs. We demonstrate that (1) inferring the temperature conditions of chlorite crystallization is not as straightforward as generally assumed and that (2) GQVs can be formed under rock-buffered conditions, at lower temperatures than previously thought. These results have implications for the practice commonly used in chlorite-based geothermometry, as well as for the modes of fluid, heat, and mass transport within Earth’s crust.
Retinopathy of prematurity in Germany over 13 years: incidences, treatment preferences and effects of national guideline changes
Authors: Krohne Tim U , Camp Alexandra T , Pfeil Johanna M , Müller Andreas , Stahl Andreas , Lagrèze Wolf A , Li Jeany Q 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading yet avoidable cause of childhood blindness. Screening for ROP is highly effective in preventing blindness secondary to ROP. We provide epidemiological data on ROP screening and treatment in Germany since 2010 and evaluate the effects of recently adopted as well as potential future screening guideline adaptations.MethodsData sets of the German Quality Assurance Procedure in Neonatology, the ROP screening programme of two German university hospitals, and the German section of the EU-ROP Registry were analysed.ResultsOver the 13-year period from 2010 to 2022, 141 550 infants received ROP screening in Germany. Mean annual incidences of ROP were 3.5% (±0.2%) in premature infants and 19.6% (±2.3%) in screened infants. Of screened infants, 2.0% (±0.3%) received treatment for ROP. Treatment preferences shifted from laser coagulation (46.2% in 2015) to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (83.7% in 2022). A revision of national screening criteria in 2020 with a reduction of the gestational age limit from <32 to <31 weeks resulted in a decrease of the annual number of infants requiring screening by 25.8% (p<0.001). Infants with a birth weight ≥1500 g accounted for 35.2% of the screening population but only for 0.4% of ROP stage 3–5 cases.ConclusionsCollection of epidemiological data on ROP in national and international registries enables the continuous surveillance and adaptation of ROP screening and treatment criteria. In Germany, infants with a birth weight ≥1500 g have a very low risk of developing treatment-requiring ROP, supporting an upper birth weight limit for ROP screening.
Blood-based DNA methylation markers for lung cancer prediction
Authors: Onwuka Justina Ucheojor , Guida Florence , Langdon Ryan , Johansson Mikael , Severi Gianluca , Milne Roger L , Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Southey Melissa C , Vineis Paolo , Sandanger Torkjel , Nøst Therese Haugdahl , Chadeau-Hyam Marc , Relton Caroline , Robbins Hilary A. , Suderman Matthew , Johansson Mattias 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveScreening high-risk individuals with low-dose CT reduces mortality from lung cancer, but many lung cancers occur in individuals who are not eligible for screening. Risk biomarkers may be useful to refine risk models and improve screening eligibility criteria. We evaluated if blood-based DNA methylation markers can improve a traditional lung cancer prediction model.Methods and analysisThis study used four prospective cohorts with blood samples collected prior to lung cancer diagnosis. The study was restricted to participants with a history of smoking, and one control was individually matched to each lung cancer case using incidence density sampling by cohort, sex, date of blood collection, age and smoking status. To train a DNA methylation-based risk score, we used participants from Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study-Australia (n=648) and Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study-Sweden (n=380) based on five selected CpG sites. The risk discriminative performance of the methylation score was subsequently validated in participants from European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Italy (n=267) and Norwegian Women and Cancer-Norway (n=185) and compared with that of the questionnaire-based PLCOm2012 lung cancer risk model.ResultsThe area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the PLCOm2012 model in the validation studies was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.65 to 0.75) compared with 0.73 (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.77) for the methylation score model (Pdifference=0.07). Incorporating the methylation score with the PLCOm2012 model did not improve the risk discrimination (AUC: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.77,Pdifference=0.73).ConclusionsThis study suggests that the methylation-based risk prediction score alone provides similar lung cancer risk-discriminatory performance as the questionnaire-based PLCOm2012 risk model.
Prevalence, risk factors and management of common mental health disorders in Cameroon: a systematic review
Authors: Ngwa Che Henry , Mpofu Limkile , Patricia Tchokokam , Njuma Libwea John , Obiora Rejoice Uche , Keinamma Marion , Ines Danga Aloleko , Ngo Ngo Valery , Oneke Egbe Henrieta , Bessong Crayton E , Oguguah Ngozi Margaret , Kah Emmanuel , Wirsiy Frankline Sevidzem , Sobh Eman 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThis review aimed to synthesise evidence on (1) the prevalence of common mental health disorders (MHDs) in Cameroon; (2) the effectiveness of mental health management interventions; (3) the risk factors for common MHDs in Cameroon and (4) map the state of research on common mental disorders in Cameroon.DesignA systematic review.Data sourcesWe performed a comprehensive search for articles in major public health databases including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL from inception of each database to June 2022.Eligibility criteriaPublished articles on the prevalence, risk factors or intervention for management of common MHDs in Cameroon met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review.Data extraction and synthesisThe abstract and full-text screening, and data extraction were performed independently by at least two researchers. The results have been reported based on a narrative synthesis.ResultsAfter the screening stages, 32 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. A high prevalence of common MHDs among different groups, including teenage mothers, students and people living with HIV, was observed. We identified important risk factors for these conditions in the general population and among high-risk groups. We also identified two interventions which show promising results for the management of depression among individuals with HIV in Cameroon.ConclusionOur review recorded a high prevalence of common MHDs and identified important risk factors for MHDs among different groups. Increased priority and participatory action with all stakeholders including individuals, communities/policy holders and in research where a huge gap remains to be filled, is crucial in reducing the burden of MHDs in Cameroon.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022348427.