bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The displacement of the σ70finger in initial transcription is highly heterogeneous and promoter-dependent
Authors: Wanga Anna , Mazumdera Abhishek , Kapanidis Achillefs N. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTBacterial sigma factors (σ) contain a highly conserved structural module, the ‘‘σ-finger’’, which forms a loop that protrudes towards the RNA polymerase (RNAP) active-centre in the open complex and has been implicated in pre-organisation of template DNA, abortive initiation of short RNAs, initiation pausing, and promoter escape. Here, we introduce a novel single-molecule FRET (smFRET) assay to monitor σ-finger motions during transcription initiation and promoter escape. We find that the σ-finger is displaced from its position inside the active site cleft before promoter escape, and after synthesis of RNAs with lengths that are highly dependent on the sequence of the promoter used. Real-time smFRET measurements reveal the presence of significant heterogeneity in the timing of finger displacement and show that different σ-finger conformations in single open transcription complexes are associated with substantially different kinetics in transcription initiation and promoter escape, potentially impacting gene regulation in bacteria.
Factors affecting college freshmen's YouTube acceptance for learning purposes
Authors: Harper Lindsey M. , Joo Soohyung , Kim Youngseek 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThere are a variety of benefits associated with the use of YouTube for learning purposes, such as YouTube is a free open-access tool students can use to facilitate their learning. This study investigates whether an attitudinal factor (i.e. perceived usefulness) and the factor's antecedents, resource quality factors (i.e. credibility, currency, coverage and relevance), normative factor (i.e. subjective norm) and control factor (i.e. perceived ease of use) all affect college freshmen's behavioral intentions to use YouTube for academic learning purposes.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore the attitudinal, normative and control factors associated with college freshmen's behavioral intentions to use YouTube for academic learning. After developing a quantitative survey given to 182 college freshmen in a Southeastern institution in the United States of America, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the seven hypotheses and the research constructs.FindingsThe results indicate that attitudinal factor (i.e. perceived usefulness) and its antecedents, resource quality factors (i.e. currency, coverage and relevance) and normative factor (i.e. subjective norm) have a statistically significant effect on college freshmen's intentions to use YouTube for academic learning purposes.Research limitations/implicationsThis study suggests that individual motivations (i.e. perceived usefulness and subjective norm) and resource quality factors (i.e. currency, coverage and relevance) play into college freshmen's decisions to use YouTube for learning purposes, while other research indicates that the system or application itself factors into students' decisions to use technology for learning.Practical implicationsThis study suggests that college freshmen are more likely to use YouTube for academic learning purposes when the freshmen hold favorable attitudes about the platform and when the freshmen believe the freshmen's peers are also using YouTube to supplement in-class learning.Originality/valueThis is an initial study that focuses on college freshmen's behavioral intentions to use YouTube for academic learning purposes. This research demonstrates the roles that peers as well as resource quality factors play in students' decisions to use specific technology to enhance the students' learning.
Knowledge and skills gap of graduates entry-level: perception of logistics and supply chain managers in Oman
Authors: Al Harrasi Nasser , Salah El Din Mohamed , Reason Masengu , Al Balushi Badriya , Al Habsi Jouhara 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe study provides an evaluation of the knowledge and skills importance covered in the degree of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) as well as the knowledge and skills gap of graduates entry-level.Design/methodology/approachThe study used both descriptive and exploratory research designs. The study adopted a self-administered questionnaire. The sample size is 41 logistics industry mid-managers of six organizations selected from the main operators of Sohar Port in Oman.FindingsThe findings reveal that logistics professionals agree on the importance of all the learner attributes, knowledge and cognitive skills, and general competencies identified in a university degree with a major in LSCM. Furthermore, the results identified moderate levels of gaps in five knowledge areas and six soft and hard skills of graduates at the entry level.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research can be built on this study findings by evaluating the perception of logistics and supply chain industry professionals in different global contexts and investigate the effectiveness of different training and educational programs in enhancing the knowledge and skills of logistics professionals in various regions.Practical implicationsThis study may extend beyond Oman and have important implications for LSCM practices in other developing countries. Universities' management in developing countries can use this study findings to identify the key skills required by entry-level logistics professionals and incorporate them into their curricula to better prepare graduates for the workforce. In addition, the skills identified in our study, such as decision-making skills, managing stress, negotiation skills and critical thinking, are relevant to logistics professionals in other developing countries with similar socio-economic and industry characteristics.Originality/valueUnlike the prior studies that focused on the mismatch between educational degrees and job requirements without considering study specializations and industry, this paper lays a nuanced understanding of the knowledge and skills gap associated with entry-level graduates of the logistics and supply chain industry. As such, the paper offers inputs for the LSCM academic degree related to knowledge and skills needed by logistics and supply chain industry.
Novel biallelic variants in DNAH1 cause multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella with favorable outcomes of fertility after ICSI in Han Chinese males
Authors: Long Shunhua , Fu Longlong , Ma Jing , Yu Haibing , Tang Xiangrong , Hu Tingwenyi , Han Wei , Liu Weiwei , Liao Haiyuan , Fu Tao , Huang Guoning , Lu Wenhong , Lin Tingting 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundMultiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella is an idiopathic asthenoteratozoospermia characterized by absent, short, coiled, angulation, and irregular‐caliber flagella. Genetic variants of DNAH1 gene have been identified as a causative factor of multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an available strategy for infertile males with dynein axonemal heavy chain 1 defects to conceive.ObjectivesTo identify novel variants and candidate mutant hotspots of DNAH1 gene related to multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and male infertility in humans.Materials and methodsThe DNAH1 variants were identified by whole exome sequencing and confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Papanicolaou staining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and immunostaining were performed to investigate the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of spermatozoa. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was applied for the assisted reproductive therapy of males harboring biallelic DNAH1 variants.ResultsWe identified 18 different DNAH1 variants in 11 unrelated families, including nine missense variants (p.A2564T, p.T3657R, p.G1862R, p.L2296P, p.T4041I, p.L611P, p.A913D, p.R1932Q, p.R2356W) and nine loss‐of‐function variants (c.2301‐1G>T, p.Q1518*, p.R1702*, p.D2845Mfs*2, p.P3909Rfs*33, p.Q4040Dfs*33, p.Q4058*, p.E4060Pfs*61, p.V4071Cfs*54). A total of 66.7% (12/18) of the identified variants were novel. Morphological analysis based on Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the typical multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella characteristics of dynein axonemal heavy chain 1‐deficient spermatozoa. Immunostaining further revealed the absence of inner dynein arms but not outer dynein arms, which induced a general ultrastructural disorganization, such as the loss of central pair and mis‐localization of the microtubule doublets and outer dense fibers. To date, seven affected couples have accepted the intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment, and three of them have given birth to five healthy babies.Discussion and conclusionThese findings further expand the variant spectrum of DNAH1 gene related to multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and male infertility in humans, thus providing new information for the molecular diagnosis of asthenoteratozoospermia. The favorable fertility outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection will facilitate the genetic counseling and clinical treatment of infertile males with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella in the future.
Epidemic dynamics and spatial segregation driven by cognitive diffusion and nonlinear incidence
Authors: Liu Guodong , Wang Hao , Zhang Xiaoyan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe propose susceptible‐infected‐susceptible epidemic reaction–diffusion models with cognitive movement and nonlinear incidence in a spatially heterogeneous environment. The cognitive dispersal term takes either random diffusion or symmetric diffusion. Building upon the ‐estimates of positive solutions under , we state the asymptotic dynamics for , . The numerical results reveal spatial segregation of susceptible and infected populations: (a) the heterogeneous random diffusion can segregate the population and reduce the infection fraction significantly; (b) the segregation phenomenon disappears as the ratio approaches one from below; (c) the disease‐free region strengthens the segregation induced by heterogeneous random diffusion; (d) the segregation governed by random diffusion is more sensitive to the incidence mechanism; (e) the distribution of steady states driven by symmetric diffusion is always similar to that by homogeneous diffusion.
Do carbon farming practices build bioavailable nitrogen pools?
Authors: Mattila Tuomas J. , Girz Andrei I. , Pihlatie Mari 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAgricultural soils contain large amounts of nitrogen (N), but only a small fraction is readily available to plants. Despite several methods developed to estimate the bioavailability of N, there is no consensus on which extraction methods to use, and which N pools are critically important. In this study, we measured six soil N pools from 20 farms, which were part of a multi‐year soil carbon sequestration on‐farm experiment (Carbon action, 2019–2023). The aim was to quantify the N pools and to evaluate if farming practices that aim to build soil carbon pools, also build bioavailable N pools. We also aimed to test if the smaller and rapidly changing N pools could serve as an indicator for the slower change in soil organic matter. The measured N pools decreased in size, when moving from total N (7700 ± 1500 kg/ha) to slowly cycling (Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test ISNT‐N: 1063 ± 220 kg/ha, autoclave citrate‐extracted ACE protein N: 633 ± 440 kg/ha), water‐soluble organic N (50 ± 17 kg/ha), potentially mineralizable N (33 ± 13 kg/ha) and finally readily plant available inorganic pools (nitrate and ammonium, total: 14 ± 8 kg/ha). In total, the measured pools covered only 18%–44% of total N, indicating a large unidentified N pool, which is either tightly bound to soil mineral fraction and not easily extractable or is bound to undecomposed plant residues and not hydrolysed by the methods. Of the large N pools (ISNT‐N, ACE protein and unidentified residual N), clay, carbon (C) and C:Clay ratios explained most of the variability (R2 = .90–.93), leaving a minor part of the variation to the management effect. A pairwise comparison of carbon farming and control plots concluded that farming practices had a small (3%–5%) but statistically significant (p < .05) effect on soil total N and ISNT‐N pools, and a moderate and significant effect (18%, p < .01) on potentially mineralizable N. The large variation in protein N, water‐soluble organic N and inorganic N reduced statistical significance, although individual C sequestration practices had large effects (−30% to +50%). In conclusion, carbon sequestration practices can build both slowly cycling N pools (ISNT) and increase the mineralisation rate of these pools to release plant available forms, resulting in an additional benefit to agriculture through reduced fertilizer application needs.
Evaluation of two nephrocystostomy techniques for ureteral bypass in cats
Authors: Hardie Robert J. , Schmiedt Chad W. , Gendron Karine P. , Rissi Daniel 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe two techniques for nephrocystostomy (NCT) in cats.Study designExperimental study.AnimalsTwelve, adult, purpose‐bred, cats.MethodsA simple NCT (n = 3) or bladder cuff NCT (n = 9) was performed in the right or left kidneys. For simple NCT, an 8F catheter was placed through the caudal pole into the renal pelvis and the bladder was sutured around the catheter. For bladder cuff NCT, a 6 mm defect was removed from the caudal pole and a cuff of bladder mucosa was advanced and sutured into the renal pelvis. A 10F catheter was placed through the defect into the renal pelvis and the bladder wall was sutured around the catheter. Catheters were removed 41–118 days post‐surgery. Computed tomography (CT) was performed 25 days after catheter removal for the simple NCT and 30 (n = 6) and 90 (n = 3) days after catheter removal for bladder cuff NCT. Histological evaluation of the nephrocystostomy site was performed.ResultsAll simple NCTs became obstructed after catheter removal. All bladder cuff NCTs were patent, and CT revealed contrast flow into the bladder. Hematuria, clot‐associated urethral obstruction, catheter dislodgement, and bladder infection occurred variably after surgery. Histological findings consisted of smooth epithelialization of the NCT and degenerative changes in the caudal pole of the kidney.ConclusionBladder cuff NCT was feasible in normal cats and remained patent for 90 days. Methods to limit nephrostomy track hemorrhage should be investigated. Degenerative changes may be related to vascular impairment from the bladder cuff sutures.Clinical significanceComplete ureteral bypass was possible in cats using only native tissues.
Dissipative dynamics in quantum key distribution
Authors: Salatino L. , Mariani L. , Attanasio C. , Pagano S. , Citro R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractUsing the IBM Quantum Experience platform, we simulate the dissipative dynamics in the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol. We employ the Jaynes–Cummings model to simulate the attenuation in an optical fiber during the information transmission process and calculate the quantum bit error rate (QBER). The results of QBER as a function of the distance give a satisfactory agreement with experimental data when the system is in a Markovian regime.
Cerebral Autoregulation Status in Relation to Brain Injury on Electroencephalogram and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children Following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Zou Minghui , Yu Linyang , Lin Rouyi , Feng Jinqing , Zhang Mingjie , Ning Shuyao , Cui Yanqin , Li Jianbin , Li Lijuan , Ma Li , Huang Guodong , Wang Huaizhen , Chen Xinxin , Li Jia 
Published: June 2023

Background
Disturbed cerebral autoregulation has been reported in children with congenital heart disease before and during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, but not after. We sought to characterize the cerebral autoregulation status in the early postoperative period in relation to perioperative variables and brain injuries.

Methods and Results
A prospective and observational study was conducted in 80 patients in the first 48 hours following cardiac surgery. Cerebral oximetry/pressure index (COPI) was retrospectively calculated as a moving linear correlation coefficient between mean arterial blood pressure and cerebral oxygen saturation. Disturbed autoregulation was defined as COPI >0.3. Correlations of COPI with demographic and perioperative variables as well as brain injuries on electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging and early outcomes were analyzed. Thirty‐six (45%) patients had periods of abnormal COPI for 7.81 hours (3.38 hours) either at hypotension (median <45 mm Hg) or hypertension (median >90 mm Hg) or both. Overall, COPI became significantly lower over time, suggesting improved autoregulatory status during the 48 postoperative hours. All of the demographic and perioperative variables were significantly associated with COPI, which in turn was associated with the degree of brain injuries and early outcomes.

Conclusions
Children with congenital heart disease following cardiac surgery often have disturbed autoregulation. Cerebral autoregulation is at least partly the underlying mechanism of brain injury in those children. Careful clinical management to manipulate the related and modifiable factors, particularly arterial blood pressure, may help to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion and reduce brain injury early after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Further studies are warranted to determine the significance of impaired cerebral autoregulation in relation to long‐term neurodevelopment outcomes.
Sex‐Specific Cerebral Blood Flow Alterations in Youth Operated for Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Easson Kaitlyn , Gilbert Guillaume , Gauthier Claudine , Rohlicek Charles V. , Saint‐Martin Christine , Brossard‐Racine Marie 
Published: June 2023

Background
Lower cerebral blood flow (CBF) has previously been documented preoperatively in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, it remains unclear if these CBF deficits persist over the life span of CHD survivors following heart surgery. When exploring this question, it is critical to consider the sex differences in CBF that emerge during adolescence. Therefore, this study aimed to compare global and regional CBF between postpubertal youth with CHD and healthy peers and examine if such alterations are related to sex.

Methods and Results
Youth aged 16 to 24 years who underwent open heart surgery for complex CHD during infancy and age‐ and sex‐matched controls completed brain magnetic resonance imaging, including T1‐weighted and pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling acquisitions. Global gray matter CBF and regional CBF in 9 bilateral gray matter regions were quantified for each participant. Compared with female controls (N=27), female participants with CHD (N=25) presented with lower global and regional CBF. In contrast, there were no differences in CBF between male controls (N=18) and males with CHD (N=17). Concurrently, female controls had higher global and regional CBF compared with male controls, with no differences in CBF between female and male participants with CHD. CBF was lower in individuals with a Fontan circulation.

Conclusions
This study provides evidence of altered CBF in postpubertal female participants with CHD despite undergoing surgical intervention during infancy. Alterations to CBF could have implications for later cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and cerebrovascular disease in women with CHD.
Challenge in Predicting Persistence to P2Y12 Inhibitors: A Perspective From the ARTEMIS Trial
Authors: Rymer Jennifer A. , Wegermann Zachary K. , Kaltenbach Lisa A. , Webb Laura E. , Peterson Eric D. , Wang Tracy Y. 
Published: June 2023

Background
Premature discontinuation of P2Y12 inhibitor therapy has been associated with adverse cardiac events, which might be preventable by improving medication persistence. Current risk models have limited ability to predict patients at risk of P2Y12 inhibitor nonpersistence.

Methods and Results
ARTEMIS (Affordability and Real‐World Antiplatelet Treatment Effectiveness after Myocardial Infarction Study) was a randomized, controlled trial testing the impact of a copayment assistance intervention on P2Y12 inhibitor persistence and outcomes. Among 6212 patients post myocardial infarction with a planned 1‐year course of P2Y12 inhibitor therapy, nonpersistence was defined as a gap in P2Y12 inhibitor filled >30 days by pharmacy fill data. We developed a predictive model for 1‐year P2Y12 inhibitor nonpersistence among patients randomized to usual care. P2Y12 inhibitor nonpersistence rates were 23.8% (95% CI, 22.7%–24.8%) at 30 days and 47.9% (46.6%–49.1%) at 1 year; the majority of these patients had in‐hospital percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients who received the copayment assistance intervention had nonpersistence rates of 22.0% (20.7%–23.3%) at 30 days and 45.3% (43.8%–46.9%) at 1 year. A 53‐variable multivariable model predicting 1‐year persistence had a C‐index of 0.63 (optimism‐corrected C‐index 0.58). Model discrimination did not improve with inclusion of patient‐reported perceptions about disease, medication‐taking beliefs, and prior medication‐filling behavior in addition to demographic and medical history data (C‐index 0.62).

Conclusions
Despite addition of patient‐reported variables, models predicting persistence with P2Y12 inhibitor therapy performed poorly, thereby suggesting the need for continued patient and clinician education on the importance of P2Y12 inhibitor therapy after acute myocardial infarction.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02406677.