bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Binding stability of peptides to Co–Cr–Mo alloy affects proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast
Authors: Migita Satoshi , Wakabayashi Keita , Yamazaki Tomohiko 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCobalt–chromium–molybdenum (CCM) alloys possess high corrosion‐resistant properties as well as good mechanical properties. Hence, the alloys are employed in medical implants such as artificial knee and hip joints, coronary stents, and removable partial dentures. To improve the biocompatibility of CCM alloys, we reported that CCM‐binding peptide (CBP) linked to cell‐adhesive motif Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) improved the attachment of endothelial cells on CCM alloys. However, the stability of CBP adsorption on the alloy and its effect on osteoblast compatibility are still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the stabilization of the adsorption layer of CBP–RGD on CCM alloy surface and investigated the effect of CBP–RGD peptide on the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblasts. CBP–RGD layer exhibited higher stabilization than the RGD adsorption layer for 7 days. In addition, the proliferation of osteoblast on CBP–RGD adsorbed alloy higher than that on RGD adsorbed alloy. Moreover, the calcification of cells cultured on the CBP–RGD adsorbed alloy was significantly higher than that of the cells on RGD adsorbed alloy. These findings indicate that the CBP binding was stable during the culture of osteoblasts on the CCM alloy.
The bright side of online consumer behavior: Continuance intention for mobile payments
Authors: Purohit Sonal , Arora Rakhi , Paul Justin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractResearchers on online consumer behavior have rarely discussed the subjective well‐being aspect or improving the life quality of the next billion as the bright side. Emerging technologies such as mobile payments have added to the life quality of people by enabling fast and convenient transactions online that can be performed anywhere and anytime. The studies on mobile payments adoption or continued use are majorly focused on the utilitarian aspects. While the firms face stiff competition and struggle to retain customers it is imperative to discuss both the psychological and behavioral aspects of technology use. The proposed theoretical framework integrates the expectation confirmation model, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, and the subjective well‐being aspect to explain the factors that affect the mobile payments continuance intention. This multidisciplinary study makes a novel contribution to the extant literature on online consumer behavior. Data were obtained by surveying 351 users of mobile payments. The structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that continuance intention is influenced by subjective well‐being, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy, and satisfaction. Performance expectancy and effort expectancy influence satisfaction that further influences continuance intention. The study deliberates several inferences for service providers for effective strategic advancement. Findings can be used for developing innovative solutions for improved online customer experience and retention. The positioning strategy must convey the life quality improvement as a bright side of technology for better chances of success.
Therapeutic potential of silymarin as a natural iron‐chelating agent in β‐thalassemia intermedia
Authors: Reisi Nahid , Esmaeil Nafiseh , Gharagozloo Marjan , Moayedi Behjat 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAbnormal iron accumulation in vital organs is one of the major complications of β‐thalassemia intermedia (β‐TI). Silymarin, a flavonolignan isolated from Silybum marianum, significantly decreases the serum ferritin levels of β‐TI patients. This finding suggests silymarin as a safe and effective natural iron‐chelating agent for the treatment of iron‐overloaded conditions.
Method to Determine the Bifunctional Index for the Oxygen Electrocatalysis from Theory
Authors: Razzaq Samad , Exner Kai S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMetal‐air batteries are encountered as a promising solution for energy storage due to their high energy density, cost effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Yet, the application of metal‐air batteries in practice is still not mature, which is also related to the bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis at the cathode, comprising the oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions during discharge and charge of the battery, respectively. Experimentally, the performance of electrocatalysts in the OER and ORR is described by bifunctional index (BI), but, so far, there is no direct approach to capture the BI on the atomic scale. Herein, we present a method to ascertain the BI from ab initio theory, thereby combining a data‐driven methodology with thermodynamic considerations and microkinetic modeling as a function of the applied overpotential. Our approach allows deriving the BI from simple adsorption free energies, which are easily accessible to electronic structure theory in the density functional theory (DFT) approximation. We outline how our methodology may steer the design of efficient bifunctional catalysts on the atomic scale.
Incommensurate Phase in Λ‐cobalt (III) Sepulchrate Trinitrate Governed by Highly Competitive N−H⋅⋅⋅O and C−H⋅⋅⋅O Hydrogen Bond Networks**
Authors: Dey Somnath , Schönleber Andreas , van Smaalen Sander , Morgenroth Wolfgang , Krebs Larsen Finn 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPhase transitions in molecular crystals are often determined by intermolecular interactions. The cage complex of [Co(C12H30N8)]3+ ⋅ 3 NO3− is reported to undergo a disorder‐order phase transition at Tc1 ≈133 K upon cooling. Temperature‐dependent neutron and synchrotron diffraction experiments revealed satellite reflections in addition to main reflections in the diffraction patterns below Tc1. The modulation wave vector varies as function of temperature and locks in at Tc3≈98 K. Here, we demonstrate that the crystal symmetry lowers from hexagonal to monoclinic in the incommensurately modulated phases in Tc1<T<Tc3. Distinctive levels of competitions: trade‐off between longer N−H⋅⋅⋅O and shorter C−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds; steric constraints to dense C−H⋅⋅⋅O bonds give rise to pronounced modulation of the basic structure. Severely frustrated crystal packing in the incommensurate phase is precursor to optimal balance of intermolecular interactions in the lock‐in phase.
Hexafluoroisopropyl Carbamates as Selective MAGL and Dual MAGL/FAAH Inhibitors: Biochemical and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Barth Maximilian , Rudolph Stefan , Kampschulze Jan , Meyer zu Vilsendorf Imke , Hanekamp Walburga , Mulac Dennis , Langer Klaus , Lehr Matthias 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA series of hexafluoroisopropyl carbamates with indolylalkyl‐ and azaindolylalkyl‐substituents at the carbamate nitrogen was synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of the endocannabinoid degrading enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). The synthesized derivatives with butyl to heptyl spacers between the heteroaryl and the carbamate moiety were inhibitors of both enzymes. For investigated compounds in which the alkyl chain was partially incorporated into a piperidine ring, different results were obtained. Compounds with a methylene spacer between the piperidine ring and the heteroaromatic system were found to be selective MAGL inhibitors, while an extension of the alkyl spacer to two to four atoms resulted in dual inhibition of FAAH/MAGL. The only small change in enzyme inhibitory activity with variation of the heteroaromatic system indicates that the reactive hexafluoroisopropyl carbamate group is mainly responsible for the strength of the inhibitory effect of the compounds. Selected derivatives were also tested for hydrolytic stability in aqueous solution, liver homogenate and blood plasma as well as for aqueous solubility and for permeability in a Caco‐2 cell model. Some compounds showed a slightly higher MAGL inhibitory effect than the known selective MAGL inhibitor ABX‐1431 and also partly surpassed this substance with regard to certain physicochemical and biochemical properties such as water solubility and cell permeability.
Metal vs. Metal‐Free Catalysts for Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural and Levoglucosenone to Biosourced Chemicals
Authors: Ayoub Nadim , Toufaily Joumana , Guénin Erwann , Enderlin Gérald 
Published: January 2022

AbstractLignocellulosic feedstocks, such as forestry biomass and agricultural crop residues, can be utilized to generate biofuels and biochemicals. Converting these organic waste materials into biochemicals is widely regarded as a remedial approach to develop a sustainable, clean, and green energy source. Nevertheless, are these methods sustainable and clean? Prior studies have shown that most such conversions use metals – including heavy metals or noble metals – as catalysts. In addition to the fact that many metals (e. g., aluminum, cobalt, titanium, platinum) have been listed as critical minerals, these methods suffer from high cost, deactivation, and leakage problems and the release of toxic wastes. This Review summarizes catalytic methods using metal and metal‐free catalysts for the oxidation of the platform molecules 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and levoglucosenone and demonstrates the potential and effectiveness of metal‐free catalysts.
DROSHA but not DICER is required for human haematopoietic stem cell function
Authors: Gu Karen , Walpole Carina , Gooneratne Shayarana , Liu Xin , Haigh Oscar L , Radford Kristen J , Chong Mark MW 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesDROSHA and DICER have central roles in the biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNAs). However, we previously showed that in the murine system, DROSHA has an alternate function where it directly recognises and cleaves protein‐coding messenger (m)RNAs and this is critical for safeguarding the pluripotency of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Maintenance of murine HSC function is dependent on DROSHA‐mediated cleavage of two mRNAs, Myl9 and Todr1. The goal of this study is to determine whether this pathway is conserved in human HSCs.MethodsDROSHA and DICER were knocked down in human cord blood CD34+ HSCs with short hairpin RNAs. The function of HSCs was analysed in vitro and in humanised mice. Analysis of mRNA cleavage was performed by capture of 5′ phosphorylated RNAs.ResultsConsistent with murine HSCs, DROSHA knockdown impaired the differentiation of human HSCs in vitro and engraftment into humanised mice, whereas DICER knockdown had no impact. DROSHA cleaves the MYL9 mRNA in human HSCs and DROSHA deficiency resulted in the accumulation of the mRNA. However, ectopic expression of MYL9 did not impair human HSC function. We were unable to identify a human homolog of Todr1.ConclusionA miRNA‐independent function of DROSHA is critical for the function of human HSCs. DROSHA directly recognises and degrades mRNAs in humans HSCs. However, unlike in murine HSCs, the degradation of the MYL9 mRNA alone is not critical for human HSC function. Therefore, DROSHA must be inhibiting other targets and/or has another miRNA‐independent function that is essential for safeguarding the pluripotency of human HSCs.
Interventional‐ and amputation‐stage muscle proteomes in the chronically threatened ischemic limb
Authors: Ryan Terence E. , Kim Kyoungrae , Scali Salvatore T. , Berceli Scott A. , Thome Trace , Salyers Zachary R. , O'Malley Kerri A. , Green Thomas D. , Karnekar Reema , Fisher‐Wellman Kelsey H. , Yamaguchi Dean J. , McClung Joseph M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite improved surgical approaches for chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI), amputation rates remain high and contributing tissue‐level factors remain unknown. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to identify differences between the healthy adult and CLTI limb muscle proteome, and (2) to identify differences in the limb muscle proteome of CLTI patients prior to surgical intervention or at the time of amputation.Methods and resultsGastrocnemius muscle was collected from non‐ischemic controls (n = 19) and either pre‐interventional surgery (n = 10) or at amputation outcome (n = 29) CLTI patients. All samples were subjected to isobaric tandem‐mass‐tag‐assisted proteomics. The mitochondrion was the primary classification of downregulated proteins (> 70%) in CLTI limb muscles and paralleled robust functional mitochondrial impairment. Upregulated proteins (> 38%) were largely from the extracellular matrix. Across the two independent sites, 39 proteins were downregulated and 12 upregulated uniformly. Pre‐interventional CLTI muscles revealed a robust upregulation of mitochondrial proteins but modest functional impairments in fatty acid oxidation as compared with controls. Comparison of pre‐intervention and amputation CLTI limb muscles revealed mitochondrial proteome and functional deficits similar to that between amputation and non‐ischemic controls. Interestingly, these observed changes occurred despite 62% of the amputation CLTI patients having undergone a prior surgical intervention.ConclusionsThe CLTI proteome supports failing mitochondria as a phenotype that is unique to amputation outcomes. The signature of pre‐intervention CLTI muscle reveals stable mitochondrial protein abundance that is insufficient to uniformly prevent functional impairments. Taken together, these findings support the need for future longitudinal investigations aimed to determine whether mitochondrial failure is causally involved in amputation outcomes from CLTI.
Simulating climate changein situin a tropical rainforest understorey using active air warming and CO2addition
Authors: Bader Maaike Y. , Moureau Elodie , Nikolić Nada , Madena Thomas , Koehn Nils , Zotz Gerhard 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFuture climate‐change effects on plant growth are most effectively studied using microclimate‐manipulation experiments, the design of which has seen much advance in recent years. For tropical forests, however, such experiments are particularly hard to install and have hence not been widely used. We present a system of active heating and CO2fertilization for use in tropical forest understoreys, where passive heating is not possible. The system was run for 2 years to study climate‐change effects on epiphytic bryophytes, but is also deemed suitable to study other understorey plants. Warm air and CO2addition were applied in 1.6‐m‐tall, 1.2‐m‐diameter hexagonal open‐top chambers and the microclimate in the chambers compared to outside air. Warming was regulated with a feedback system while CO2addition was fixed. The setup successfully heated the air by 2.8 K and increased CO2by 250 ppm on average, with +3 K and +300 ppm as the targets. Variation was high, especially due to technical breakdowns, but not biased to times of the day or year. In the warming treatment, absolute humidity slightly increased but relative humidity dropped by between 6% and 15% (and the vapor pressure deficit increased) compared to ambient, depending on the level of warming achieved in each chamber. Compared to other heating systems, the chambers provide a realistic warming and CO2treatment, but moistening the incoming air would be needed to avoid drying as a confounding factor. The method is preferable over infrared heating in the radiation‐poor forest understorey, particularly when combined with CO2fertilization. It is suitable for plant‐level studies, but ecosystem‐level studies in forests may require chamber‐less approaches like infrared heating and free‐air CO2enrichment. By presenting the advantages and limitations of our approach, we aim to facilitate further climate‐change experiments in tropical forests, which are urgently needed to understand the processes determining future element fluxes and biodiversity changes in these ecosystems.
Metabarcoding reveals massive species diversity of Diptera in a subtropical ecosystem
Authors: Huang Junhao , Miao Xiaoqian , Wang Qingyun , Menzel Frank , Tang Pu , Yang Ding , Wu Hong , Vogler Alfried P. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDiptera is often considered to be the richest insect group due to its great species diversity and broad ecological versatility. However, data on dipteran diversity from subtropical ecosystems have hitherto been scarce, due to the lack of studies conducted at an appropriate large scale. We investigated the diversity and composition of Diptera communities on Tianmu Mountain, Zhejiang, China, using DNA metabarcoding technology, and evaluated their dynamic responses to the effects of slope aspect, season, and altitudinal zone. A total of 5,092 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were discovered and tentatively assigned to 72 dipteran families, including 2 family records new for China and 30 family records new for the locality. Cecidomyiidae, Sciaridae, and Phoridae were the predominant families, representing 53.6% of total OTUs, while 52 families include >95% unidentified and presumed undescribed species. We found that the community structure of Diptera was significantly affected by aspect, seasonality (month) and elevation, with richer diversity harbored in north‐facing than south‐facing slopes, and seasonality a more profound driver of community structure and diversity than elevation. Overall, massive species diversity of Diptera communities was discovered in this subtropical ecosystem of east China. The huge diversity of potentially undescribed species only revealed by metabarcoding now requires more detailed taxonomic study, as a step toward an evolutionary integration that accumulates information on species’ geographic ranges, ecological traits, functional roles, and species interactions, and thus places the local communities in the context of the growing knowledge base of global biodiversity and its response to environmental change.
Interannual climate variability has predominant effects on seedling survival in a temperate forest
Authors: Xu Zhichao , Johnson Daniel J. , Zhu Kai , Lin Fei , Ye Ji , Yuan Zuoqiang , Mao Zikun , Fang Shuai , Hao Zhanqing , Wang Xugao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMechanisms such as conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) and niche partitioning have been proposed to explain species coexistence and community diversity. However, as a potentially important axis of niche partitioning, the role of interannual climate variability in driving local community dynamics remains largely unknown. Here we used a 15‐year monitoring data set of more than 53,000 seedlings in a temperate forest to examine (1) what are the relative effects of interannual climate variability, biotic interactions, and habitat conditions on seedling survival; (2) how the effects of biotic interactions change with interannual climate variability, and habitat conditions; and (3) whether the impacts of interannual climate variability, biotic interactions, and habitat conditions differ with plant traits. Interannual climate variability accounted for the most variation in seedling survival at the community level, followed by biotic interactions, and habitat conditions. Increased snowpack and decreased minimum temperature during the non‐growing season had positive effects on seedling survival. Effects of conspecific neighbor density were weakened in higher snowpack, effective accumulated temperature, elevation, and soil‐resource gradient, but were intensified with increased ultraviolet radiation, maximum precipitation, minimum temperature, and soil moisture. In addition, the relative importance of interannual climate variability versus biotic interactions differed depending on species‐trait groups. Specifically, biotic interactions for gravity‐dispersed species had a larger effect size in affecting seedling survival than other trait groups. Also, gravity‐dispersed species experienced a stronger CNDD than wind‐dispersed, probably because wind‐dispersed seedlings rarely had adult conspecifics nearby. We found that interannual climate variability was most strongly associated with seedling survival, but the magnitude of climatic effects varied among species‐trait groups. Interannual climate variability may act as an inhibitor or accelerator to density‐dependent interactions and should be accounted for in future studies, as both a potential direct and indirect factor in understanding the diversity of forest communities.
Plant community data from a statewide survey of paired serpentine and non‐serpentine soils in California, USA
Authors: Miller Jesse E. D. , Copeland Stella , Davies Kendi , Anacker Brian , Safford Hugh , Harrison Susan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSoils derived from ultramafic parent materials (hereafter serpentine) provide habitat for unique plant communities containing species with adaptations to the low nutrient levels, high magnesium : calcium ratios, and high metal content (Ni, Zn) that characterize serpentine. Plants on serpentine have long been studied in evolution and ecology, and plants adapted to serpentine contribute disproportionately to plant diversity in many parts of the world. In 2000–2003, serpentine plant communities were sampled at 107 locations representing the full range of occurrence of serpentine in California, USA, spanning large gradients in climate. In 2009–2010, plant communities were similarly sampled at 97 locations on nonserpentine soil, near to and paired with 97 of the serpentine sampling locations. (Some serpentine locations were revisited in 2009–2010 to assess the degree of change since 2000–2003, which was minimal.) At each serpentine or nonserpentine location, a north‐ and a south‐facing 50 × 10 m plot were sampled. This design produced 97 “sites” each consisting of four “plots” (north‐south exposure, serpentine‐nonserpentine soil). All plots were initially visited three or more times over two years to record plant diversity and cover, and a subset were revisited in 2014 to examine community change after a drought. The original question guiding the study was how plant diversity is shaped by the spatially patchy nature of the serpentine habitat. Subsequently, we investigated how climate drives plant diversity at multiple scales (within locations, between locations on the same and different soil types, and across entire regions) and at different levels of organization (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic). There are no copyright restrictions and users should cite this data paper in publications that result from use of the data.