bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mining of a novel reductase and its application for asymmetric reduction of p-methoxyacetophenone
Authors: Wang Nengqiang , Li Xiaojun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
(R)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl) ethanol [(R)-1b] is an essential precursor for the synthesis of aryl propanoic acids’ anti-inflammatatory drugs. Biocatalysts for (R)-1b preparation are limited and reductase has problems of low substrate concentration and low conversion rate. As a result, there is a constant need for discovering novel biocatalysts with excellent catalytic performances. In this study, a novel reductase LpSDR from Lacisediminihabitans profunda for the biocatalytic reduction of p-methoxyacetophenone (1a) to (R)-1b was obtained based on gene-mining technology, and some key reaction parameters were also investigated to improve the conversion rate of 1a using whole cells of recombinant Escherichia coli expressing reductase LpSDR as biocatalysts. It was found that the optimal concentration of isopropanol, ZnSO4·7H2O solution, 1a, and recombinant E. coli resting cells, the optimal reaction temperature, buffer pH, and reaction time were 1.95 mol l−1, 0.75 mmol l−1, 75 mmol l−1, 250 g (wet weight) l−1, 28°C, 7.0, and 21 h, respectively. Under the above conditions, a conversion rate of 99.5% and an enantiomeric excess of 99.6% were obtained, which were superior to the corresponding values previously reported. This study provides a novel reductase LpSDR, which is helpful in reducing 1a to (R)-1b.
Further evidence of the link between activity and metallicity using the flaring properties of stars in the Kepler field
Authors: See Victor , Roquette Julia , Amard Louis , Matt Sean 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
The magnetic activity level of low-mass stars is known to vary as a function of the physical properties of the star. Many studies have shown that the stellar mass and rotation are both important parameters that determine magnetic activity levels. In contrast, the impact of a star’s chemical composition on magnetic activity has received comparatively little attention. Data sets for traditional activity proxies, e.g. X-ray emission or calcium emission, are not large enough to search for metallicity trends in a statistically meaningful way. Recently, studies have used the photometric variability amplitude as a proxy for magnetic activity to investigate the role of metallicity because it can be relatively easily measured for large samples of stars. These studies find that magnetic activity and metallicity are positively correlated. In this work, we investigate the link between activity and metallicity further by studying the flaring properties of stars in the Kepler field. Similar to the photometric variability, we find that flaring activity is stronger in more metal-rich stars for a fixed mass and rotation period. This result adds to a growing body of evidence that magnetic field generation is correlated with metallicity.
Backsplash galaxies and their impact on galaxy evolution: a three-stage, four-type perspective
Authors: Ruiz Andrés N , Martínez Héctor J , Coenda Valeria , Muriel Hernán , Cora Sofía A , de los Rios Martín , Vega-Martínez Cristian A 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
We study the population of backsplash galaxies at z = 0 in the outskirts of massive, isolated clusters of galaxies taken from the mdpl2-sag semi-analytical catalogue. We consider four types of backsplash galaxies according to whether they are forming stars or passive at three stages in their lifetimes: before entering the cluster, during their first incursion through the cluster, and after they exit the cluster. We analyse several geometric, dynamic, and astrophysical aspects of the four types at the three stages. Galaxies that form stars at all stages account for the majority of the backsplash population (58 per cent) and have stellar masses typically below $M_\star \sim 3\times 10^{10} \ h^{-1}\, {\rm {M_\odot }}$ that avoid the innermost cluster’s regions and are only mildly affected by it. In a similar mass range, galaxies that become passive after exiting the cluster (26 per cent) follow orbits characterized by small pericentric distance and a strong deflection by the cluster potential well while suffering a strong loss of both dark matter and gas content. Only a small fraction of our sample (4 per cent) becomes passive while orbiting inside the cluster. These galaxies have experienced heavy pre-processing and the cluster’s tidal stripping and ram pressure provide the final blow to their star formation. Finally, galaxies that are passive before entering the cluster for the first time (12 per cent) are typically massive and are not affected significantly by the cluster. Using the bulge/total mass ratio as a proxy for morphology, we find that a single incursion through a cluster does not result in significant morphological changes in all four types.
A self-consistent semi-analytic model for Population III star formation in minihaloes
Authors: Hegde Sahil , Furlanetto Steven R 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
The formation of the first stars marks a watershed moment in the history of our Universe. As the first luminous structures, these stars (also known as Population III, or Pop III stars) seed the first galaxies and begin the process of reionization. We construct an analytic model to self-consistently trace the formation of Pop III stars inside minihaloes in the presence of the fluctuating ultraviolet background, relic dark matter (DM)-baryon relative velocities from the early universe, and an X-ray background, which largely work to suppress cooling of gas and delay the formation of this first generation of stars. We demonstrate the utility of this framework in a semi-analytic model for early star formation that also follows the transition between Pop III and Pop II star formation inside these haloes. Using our new prescription for the criteria allowing Pop III star formation, we follow a population of DM haloes from z = 50 through z = 6 and examine the global star formation history, finding that each process defines its own key epoch: (i) the stream velocity dominates at the highest redshifts (z ≳ 30), (ii) the UV background sets the tone at intermediate times (30 ≳ z ≳ 15), and (iii) X-rays control the end of Pop III star formation at the latest times (z ≲ 15). In all of our models, Pop III stars continue to form down to z ∼ 7–10, when their supernovae will be potentially observable with forthcoming instruments. Finally, we identify the signatures of variations in the Pop III physics in the global 21-cm spin–flip signal of atomic hydrogen.
Numerical simulations of the random angular momentum in convection – II. Delayed explosions of red supergiants following ‘failed’ supernovae
Authors: Antoni Andrea , Quataert Eliot 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
When collapse of the iron core in a massive red or yellow supergiant does not lead to an energetic supernova, a significant fraction of the convective hydrogen envelope will fall in towards the black hole formed from the collapsing core. The random velocity field in the convective envelope results in finite specific angular momentum in each infalling shell. Using 3D hydrodynamical simulations, we follow the infall of this material to small radii, resolving the circularization radii of the flow. We show that infall of the convective envelope leads to nearly complete envelope ejection in a ≳1048 erg explosion with outflow speeds of ≳200 km s−1. The light curve of such an explosion would show a characteristic, red plateau as the ejecta cools and a hydrogen recombination front recedes through the expanding ejecta. Adopting supernova IIp scalings, the event would have a plateau luminosity of ≳1040 erg s−1 and a duration of several hundreds of days. These events would appear quite similar to luminous red novae with red or yellow supergiant progenitors; some luminous red novae may, in fact, be signposts of black hole formation. The mechanism studied here produces more energetic explosions than the weak shock generated from radiation of neutrino energy during the protoneutron star phase. Because we cannot simulate all the way to the horizon, our results are likely lower limits on the energy and luminosity of transients produced during the collapse of a red or yellow supergiant to form a black hole.
Germ Granule Evolution Provides Mechanistic Insight into Drosophila Germline Development
Authors: Doyle Dominique A , Burian Florencia N , Aharoni Benjamin , Klinder Annabelle J , Menzel Melissa M , Nifras Gerard Carlo C , Shabazz-Henry Ahad L , Palma Bianca Ulrich , Hidalgo Gisselle A , Sottolano Christopher J , Ortega Bianca M , Niepielko Matthew G 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The copackaging of mRNAs into biomolecular condensates called germ granules is a conserved strategy to posttranscriptionally regulate germline mRNAs. In Drosophila melanogaster, mRNAs accumulate in germ granules by forming homotypic clusters, aggregates containing multiple transcripts from the same gene. Nucleated by Oskar (Osk), homotypic clusters are generated through a stochastic seeding and self-recruitment process that requires the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of germ granule mRNAs. Interestingly, the 3′ UTR belonging to germ granule mRNAs, such as nanos (nos), have considerable sequence variations among Drosophila species and we hypothesized that this diversity influences homotypic clustering. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the homotypic clustering of nos and polar granule component (pgc) in four Drosophila species and concluded that clustering is a conserved process used to enrich germ granule mRNAs. However, we discovered germ granule phenotypes that included significant changes in the abundance of transcripts present in species’ homotypic clusters, which also reflected diversity in the number of coalesced primordial germ cells within their embryonic gonads. By integrating biological data with computational modeling, we found that multiple mechanisms underlie naturally occurring germ granule diversity, including changes in nos, pgc, osk levels and/or homotypic clustering efficacy. Furthermore, we demonstrated how the nos 3′ UTR from different species influences nos clustering, causing granules to have ∼70% less nos and increasing the presence of defective primordial germ cells. Our results highlight the impact that evolution has on germ granules, which should provide broader insight into processes that modify compositions and activities of other classes of biomolecular condensate.
Identification of Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Genetic Factors to Aid Alaska Native and American Indian People to Successfully Quit Smoking
Authors: Avey Jaedon P , Schaefer Krista R , Noonan Carolyn J , Trinidad Susan B , Muller Clemma J , Claw Katrina G , Dillard Denise A , Todd Michael R , Beans Julie A , Tyndale Rachel F , Robinson Renee F , Thummel Kenneth E 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people have a smoking prevalence of 23%. Nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) and genetic testing may enable tailored selection of tobacco cessation medication.

Aims and Methods
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative contributions of NMR, cessation medication, demographics, and tobacco use history to cessation. Participants were recruited into an observational cohort study consisting of a baseline visit prior to their quit date and 6-week follow-up. Demographic and tobacco use surveys and blood, urine, and breath samples were collected at each visit. Electronic health records were queried for cessation medications. NMR was categorized into slow or normal nicotine metabolism phenotypes (&lt;0.31 and ≥ 0.31, respectively). The main outcome was cessation at 6 weeks. Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics, medication and phenotype concordance, and estimates of relative risk (RR) of quitting.

Results
We enrolled 151 ANAI adults who smoked cigarettes daily. Two-thirds had normal nicotine metabolism phenotype. Retrospective medication and phenotype concordance was 39%. The overall quit rate was 25%. No demographic factors or tobacco use history were associated with quit success. Varenicline and bupropion increased the likelihood of quitting (RR = 2.93 [1.42, 6.03] and RR = 2.52 [1.12, 5.64], respectively) compared to nicotine replacement therapy. Non-optimal medication and phenotype concordance decreased likelihood of quit success (RR = 0.44 [0.22, 0.91]) compared to optimal concordance.

Conclusions
This exploratory study found associations between quit success and tobacco cessation medication as well as medication and phenotype concordance. Additional research is needed to assess use of NMR for treatment selection among ANAI people.

Implications
These results broadly support additional community-engaged research to improve medication and phenotype concordance in tribal health settings. Such future research on implementing meditcation and phenotype concordance holds promise to improve expectations, quit success, and health outcomes amongst individuals attempting to quit smoking.
Corticosteroid Therapy for Patients With Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome: A Nationwide Propensity Score–Matched Study in Japan
Authors: Shuto Hisayuki , Komiya Kosaku , Usagawa Yuko , Yamasue Mari , Fushimi Kiyohide , Hiramatsu Kazufumi , Kadota Jun-ichi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a life-threatening infectious disease for which no effective treatment strategy has been established. Although corticosteroids (CSs) are widely administered to patients with SFTS, their efficacy remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the impact of CS therapy on the in-hospital mortality of patients with SFTS.

Methods
In this nationwide observational study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, patients hospitalized for SFTS from April 2013 to March 2021 were reviewed. We compared patients who were treated with CSs to those who were treated without them after propensity score matching to adjust for their background, disease severity, and combination therapy.

Results
We included 494 patients with SFTS, and 144 pairs of them were analyzed after propensity score matching. No significant difference in the 30-day mortality (19% vs 15%, P = .272) and the number of survival days (log-rank test, P = .392) was found between the CS treatment group and the non-CS treatment group. However, in subgroup analyses, the CS treatment group tended to have better survival among patients with impaired consciousness on admission and/or shock status within 7 days after admission.

Conclusions
CS therapy does not seem effective for all patients with SFTS; however, the impact might be altered by disease severity assessed by the consciousness level and shock status. A large-scale interventional study is required to determine its efficacy, especially for critically ill patients with SFTS.
COVID-19 and social media: Beyond polarization
Authors: De Nicola Giacomo , Tuekam Mambou Victor H , Kauermann Göran 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought upon a massive wave of disinformation, exacerbating polarization in the increasingly divided landscape of online discourse. In this context, popular social media users play a major role, as they have the ability to broadcast messages to large audiences and influence public opinion. In this article, we make use of openly available data to study the behavior of popular users discussing the pandemic on Twitter. We tackle the issue from a network perspective, considering users as nodes and following relationships as directed edges. The resulting network structure is modeled by embedding the actors in a latent social space, where users closer to one another have a higher probability of following each other. The results suggest the existence of two distinct communities, which can be interpreted as “generally pro” and “generally against” vaccine mandates, corroborating existing evidence on the pervasiveness of echo chambers on the platform. By focusing on a number of notable users, such as politicians, activists, and news outlets, we further show that the two groups are not entirely homogeneous, and that not just the two poles are represented. To the contrary, the latent space captures an entire spectrum of beliefs between the two extremes, demonstrating that polarization, while present, is not the only driver of the network, and that more moderate, “central” users are key players in the discussion.
Short-wave infrared fluorescence imaging of near-infrared dyes with robust end-tail emission using a small-animal imaging device
Authors: Arena Francesca , La Cava Francesca , Faletto Daniele , Roberto Miriam , Crivellin Federico , Stummo Francesco , Adamo Alessia , Boccalon Mariangela , Napolitano Roberta , Blasi Francesco , Koch Maximilian , Taruttis Adrian , Reitano Erika 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Commercially available near-infrared (NIR) dyes, including indocyanine green (ICG), display an end-tail of the fluorescence emission spectrum detectable in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) window. Imaging methods based on the second NIR spectral region (1,000–1,700 nm) are gaining interest within the biomedical imaging community due to minimal autofluorescence and scattering, allowing higher spatial resolution and depth sensitivity. Using a SWIR fluorescence imaging device, the properties of ICG vs. heptamethine cyanine dyes with emission &gt;800 nm were evaluated using tissue-simulating phantoms and animal experiments. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that an increased rigidity of the heptamethine chain may increase the SWIR imaging performance due to the bathochromic shift of the emission spectrum. Fluorescence SWIR imaging of capillary plastic tubes filled with dyes was followed by experiments on healthy animals in which a time series of fluorescence hindlimb images were analyzed. Our findings suggest that higher spatial resolution can be achieved even at greater depths (&gt;5 mm) or longer wavelengths (&gt;1,100 nm), in both tissue phantoms and animals, opening the possibility to translate the SWIR prototype toward clinical application.
Non-invasive imaging and clinical skin scores in juvenile localized scleroderma
Authors: Pain Clare E , Murray Andrea , Dinsdale Graham , Marsden Antonia , Manning Joanne , Riley Phil , Leone Valentina , Amin Tania , Zulian Francesco , Herrick Ariane L 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate whether in juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS), non-invasive imaging can differentiate affected from non-affected skin and whether imaging correlates with a validated skin score [Localised Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool (LoSCAT)].

Methods
A total of 25 children with JLS were recruited into a prospective study and a single ‘target’ lesion was selected. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS, measuring skin thickness), infrared thermography (IRT, skin temperature), laser Doppler imaging (LDI, skin blood flow) and multispectral imaging (MSI, oxygenation) were performed at four sites: two of affected skin (centre and inner edge of lesion) and two of non-affected skin (1 cm from the edge of the lesion ‘outer’ and contralateral non-affected side) at four visits at 3 month intervals.

Results
Differences between affected and non-affected skin were detected with all four techniques. Compared with non-affected skin, affected skin was thinner (P &lt; 0.001), with higher temperature (P &lt; 0.001–0.006), perfusion (P &lt; 0.001–0.039) and oxygenation (P &lt; 0.001–0.028). Lesion skin activity (LoSCAT) was positively correlated with centre HFUS [r = 0.32 (95% CI 0.02, 0.61), P = 0.036] and negatively correlated with centre LDI [r = −0.26 (95% CI −0.49, −0.04), P = 0.022]. Lesion skin damage was positively correlated with centre and inner IRT [r = 0.43 (95% CI 0.19, 0.67), P &lt; 0.001 and r = 0.36 (95% CI 0.12, 0.59), P = 0.003, respectively] and with centre and inner LDI [r = 0.37 (95% CI 0.05, 0.69), P = 0.024 and r = 0.41 (95% CI 0.08, 0.74), P = 0.015, respectively].

Conclusion
Non-invasive imaging can detect differences between affected and non-affected skin in JLS and may help to differentiate between activity (thicker, less well-perfused skin) and damage (thinner, highly perfused skin).
Cedrus deodara (Roxb.): a review on the recent update on its pharmacological and phytochemical profile
Authors: Pathak Harsh , Pathania Sakshi , Metha Shradha , Sharma Ramica 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud, commonly called as deodar, belongs to the family Pinaceae and is a species of cedar native to the Western Himalayas in Eastern Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan, North-Central India, South Western Tibet and Western Nepal. The current review summarized and presents an up-to-date article on the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of C. deodara plant.

Key findings
It is a medicinal tree and is used traditionally to treat various diseases like microbial infection, joint disorder, asthma, skin diseases, kidney stone, peptic ulcer, brain disorders and inflammatory disorders. The chemical constituents obtained from different parts of the plant include α-himachalene (12.5%) and β-himachalene (43%) associated with them are sesquiterpene alcohols (himachalol, allohimachalol, himadarol, isocentdarol, centdarol and cedrin (6-methyldihydromyricetin), methylacetophenone, atlantonl, deodarin, toxifolin, terpenoids, flavonoids and glycosides, wikstromal, matairesinol, dibenzylbutyrolactol, bergapten, isopimpinellin, benzofuranoid neo lignan and isohemacholone.

Summary
Its chemical constituents are mostly responsible for the pharmacological actions. Recent in-vivo and in-vitro studies show that C. deodara has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-spasmodic, insecticidal, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, immmunomodulatory, molluscidal, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties. However, immediate efforts must be made to determine its mode of action, efficacy, dose range and safety in addressing various disease situations.
Populating a Continent: Phylogenomics Reveal the Timing of Australian Frog Diversification
Authors: Brennan Ian G , Lemmon Alan R , Moriarty Lemmon Emily , Hoskin Conrad J , Donnellan Stephen C , Keogh J Scott 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The Australian continent’s size and isolation make it an ideal place for studying the accumulation and evolution of biodiversity. Long separated from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, most of Australia’s plants and animals are unique and endemic, including the continent’s frogs. Australian frogs comprise a remarkable ecological and morphological diversity categorized into a small number of distantly related radiations. We present a phylogenomic hypothesis based on an exon-capture dataset that spans the main clades of Australian myobatrachoid, pelodryadid hyloid, and microhylid frogs. Our time-calibrated phylogenomic-scale phylogeny identifies great disparity in the relative ages of these groups that vary from Gondwanan relics to recent immigrants from Asia and include arguably the continent’s oldest living vertebrate radiation. This age stratification provides insight into the colonization of, and diversification on, the Australian continent through deep time, during periods of dramatic climatic and community changes. Contemporary Australian frog diversity highlights the adaptive capacity of anurans, particularly in response to heat and aridity, and explains why they are one of the continent’s most visible faunas. [Anuran; adaptive radiation; Gondwana; phylogenetics].