bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of glutamate‐cysteine ligase and glutathione synthetase from the δ‐proteobacterium Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Okada Misaki , Kimura Yoshio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGlutathione (GSH) is synthesized in two ATP‐dependent reactions by glutamate‐cysteine ligase (Gcl) and glutathione synthetase (Gs). Myxococcus xanthus, a gram‐negative bacterium belonging to δ‐proteobacteria, possesses mxGcl and mxGs, which have high sequence identity with the enzymes from plants and bacteria, respectively. MxGcl2 was activated by Mn2+, but not by Mg2+, and stabilized in the presence of 5 mM Mn2+ or Mg2+. Sequence comparison of mxGcl2 and Brassica juncea Gcl indicated that they have the same active site residues, except for Tyr330, which interacts with Cys and which in mxGcl2 is represented by Leu267. The substitution of Leu267 with Tyr resulted in the loss of mxGcl2 activity, but that with Met (found in cyanobacterial Gcls) increased the mxGcl2 affinity for Cys. GSH and its oxidized form GSSG equally inhibited the activity of mxGcl2; the inhibition was augmented by ATP at concentrations >3 mM. Buthionine sulfoximine inactivated mxGcl2 with Ki = 2.1 μM, which was lower than those for Gcls from other organisms. The mxGcl2 activity was also suppressed by pyrophosphate and polyphosphates. MxGs was a dimer, and its activity was induced by Mg2+ but strongly inhibited by Mn2+ even in the presence of 10 mM Mg2+. MxGs was inhibited by GSSG at Ki = 3.6 mM. Approximately 1 mM GSH was generated with 3 units of mxGcl2 and 6 units of mxGs from 5 mM Glu, Cys, and Gly, and 10 mM ATP. Our results suggest that GSH production in M. xanthus mostly depends on mxGcl2 activity.
Bayesian adaptive randomization design incorporating propensity score‐matched historical controls
Authors: Sawamoto Ryo , Oba Koji , Matsuyama Yutaka 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIncorporating historical control data to augment the control arm in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is one way of increasing their efficiency and feasibility when adequate RCTs cannot be conducted. In recent work, a Bayesian adaptive randomization design incorporating historical control data has been proposed to reduce sample size according to the amount of information that could be borrowed, assessed at interim assessment in respect to prior‐data conflict. However, the approach does not distinguish between the two sources of prior‐data conflict: (1) imbalance in measured covariates, and (2) imbalance in unmeasured covariates. In this paper, we propose an extension of the Bayesian adaptive randomization design to incorporate propensity score‐matched historical controls. At interim assessment, historical controls similar to the concurrent controls in terms of measured covariates are selected using propensity score matching. Then, final sample size of the control arm is adjusted according to the extent of borrowing from the matched historical controls quantified by effective historical sample size. The conditional power prior approach and commensurate prior approach are adopted for designing the prior, and addressing prior‐data conflict due to unmeasured covariate imbalance. Simulation results show that the proposed method yields reduced bias in treatment effect estimates, type I error at the nominal level, and reduced sample size while maintaining statistical power. Even when residual imbalance exists due to unmeasured covariates, the proposed method borrowed more information without risking substantially inflated type I error and bias, providing meaningful implications for use of historical controls to facilitate the conduct of adequate RCTs.
Assessing the quality of novel Aeolus winds for NWP applications at NCMRWF
Authors: Rani S. Indira , Jangid Buddhi Prakash , Kumar Sumit , Bushair M. T. , Sharma Priti , George John P. , George Gibies , Das Gupta M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study illustrates the validation of Aeolus Horizontal Line‐Of‐Sight (HLOS) winds, both Rayleigh‐clear and Mie‐cloudy, using in situ satellite wind (Atmospheric Motion Vectors, AMVs) observations, and NWP equivalents for three months, June–August 2020, covering the Indian summer monsoon season. Estimated errors in the Mie‐cloudy (Rayleigh‐clear) winds are clustered around 0.5–4 m·s−1 (3–8 m·s−1), and the differences between Aeolus Mie‐cloudy (Rayleigh‐clear) and sonde winds are within ±5 m·s−1 (± 8 m·s−1), but the systematic error is close to zero over the Northern Hemisphere where there are more sonde reports. Validation shows the quality of Mie‐cloudy winds is better than Rayleigh‐clear winds. Though the comparison against the observations like sonde (radiosonde and pilot balloons together) and aircraft indicate the quality of the Aeolus winds, their sparse spatial and temporal coverage limits the validation. Validation of Aeolus winds against AMVs provides similar results but with a better and nearly complete picture of the quality and quantity, with more information over the data‐sparse and remote regions. Statistical scores suggest the characteristics of the Aeolus winds at different vertical levels and geographical regions remain the same irrespective of the validation reference datasets. The Indian summer monsoon features like Low‐Level Jet (LLJ) and Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) are well represented in the Aeolus winds. This study also investigated the impact of the Aeolus HLOS winds over the Indian region through the collocated radiosonde and ALADIN wind profile assimilation experiments. Observing System Experiments (OSEs) suggest assimilation of Aeolus winds produced marginal improvement in the simulation of north Indian Ocean cyclones.
Human adenovirus type 26 basic biology and its usage as vaccine vector
Authors: Majhen Dragomira 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDue to their nature, adenoviruses have been recognised as promising candidates for vaccine vector development. Since they mimic natural infection, recombinant adenovirus vectors have been proven as ideal shuttles to deliver foreign transgenes aiming at inducing both humoral and cellular immune response. In addition, a potent adjuvant effect can be exerted due to the adenovirus inherent stimulation of various elements of innate and adaptive immunity. Due to its low seroprevalence in humans as well as induction of favourable immune response to inserted transgene, human adenovirus type 26 (HAdV‐D26) has been recognised as a promising platform for vaccine vector development and is studied in number of completed or ongoing clinical studies. Very recently HAdV‐D26 based Ebola and Covid‐19 vaccines were approved for medical use. In this review, current state of the art regarding HAdV‐D26 basic biology and its usage as vaccine vector will be discussed.
Self‐Assembly of Graphene Oxide/Nanodiamond Microspheres with High Adsorption for Pb(II) Ions
Authors: Wu Wenxiong , Gao Feng , Qu Jiangying , Zang Yunhao , Fan Mincong , Hua Kaihui 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGraphene oxide/nanodiamond (GO/ND) microspheres were synthesized via coupling electrostatic self‐assembly and capillary force in the presence of aniline for Pb(II) removal. The results indicate the presence of ND particles prevents from the restacking of GO nanosheets. Aniline with both benzene ring and amino group plays the synergistic effects on forming GO/15 %ND microspheres by π‐π interactions and acid‐base reaction etc. The formed microsphere with the fixed ratio of GO/ND as 85/15 (named as GO/15 %ND) has the unique hollow structure and abundant oxygen functional groups. The minimum size of GO/15 %ND microsphere is about 600 μm by tailoring the rotational speed and the ratio of GO/aniline. The isotherm and kinetics data indicate that the Pb(II) ion adsorption processes are well described by the Langmuir and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics mode. The maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of GO/15 %ND microsphere is 303.03 mg g−1 with the merits of high adsorption capacity, easy separation and facile recovery.
Self‐compassion and savouring buffer the impact of the first year of the COVID‐19 on PhD students' mental health
Authors: Paucsik Marine , Leys Christophe , Marais Gabriel , Baeyens Céline , Shankland Rebecca 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDoctoral students face many challenges that were reinforced by COVID‐19‐related lockdowns. We assessed this impact over 1 year on doctoral students' depression, anxiety, stress, well‐being, and doctoral engagement. We also investigated the potential protective role of self‐compassion and savouring on mental health, well‐being, and doctoral engagement. A total of 134 PhD students from several French universities responded to the three‐time points of this longitudinal study. The results showed a significant increase in depression, anxiety and stress and a significant decrease in well‐being and doctoral engagement during the first year of the pandemic. Self‐compassion and savouring predicted lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and higher levels of well‐being over time. Savouring alone predicted higher doctoral engagement over time. This study reveals the significant impact of the pandemic year on the mental health of doctoral students, and the relevance of self‐compassion and savouring as psychological resources to cope with adversity.
Atomic Molybdenum for Synthesis of Ammonia with 50% Faradic Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Chenhao , Wang Zhe , Lei Jincheng , Ma Lu , Yakobson Boris I. , Tour James M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe electrochemical dinitrogen (N2) reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions has gained significant interest as an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional Haber–Bosch process for the synthesis of ammonia (NH3). However, up to now, most of the reported NRR electrocatalysts with satisfactory catalytic activities have been hindered by the large overpotential in N2 activation. The preparation of highly efficient Mo‐based NRR electrocatalyst in acidic electrolytes under ambient conditions is demonstrated here, consisting of stabilized single Mo atoms anchored on holey nitrogen‐doped graphene synthesized through a convenient potassium‐salt‐assisted activation method. At −0.05 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), an electrode consisting of the resultant electrocatalyst immobilized on carbon fiber paper can attain an exceptional Faradaic efficiency of 50.2% and a NH3 yield rate of 3.6 µg h−1 mgcat−1 with low overpotentials. Density functional theory calculations further unveil that compared to the original graphene without holes, the edge coordinated Mo atoms and the existence of vacancies on holey graphene lower the overpotential of N2 reduction, thereby promoting the NRR catalytic activity. This work could provide new guidelines for future designs in single‐atom catalysis that would be beneficial to ambient N2 fixation, and replacement of classical synthesis processes that are very energy‐intensive.
Growth, Raman Scattering Investigation and Photodetector Properties of 2D SnP
Authors: Ding Chuyun , Yao Yuyu , Zhu Leilei , Shang Honghui , Xu Peng , Liu Xiaolin , Lin Jia , Wang Feng , Zhan Xueying , He Jun , Wang Zhenxing 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAs an important metal phosphides material, 2D tin phosphides (SnPx 0 < x ≤ 3) have been theoretically predicted to have intriguing physicochemical properties and potential applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and energy fields. However, the synthesis of high‐quality 2D SnP single crystal has not been reported due to the lack of efficiency and reliable growth method. Here, a facile atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) method is developed to realize the growth of high‐quality 2D SnP nanosheets, by employing tin (Sn) foil as both liquid metal substrates and reaction precursor. Temperature‐dependent and angle‐resolved polarization Raman spectra observed Raman peaks located at 142.6, 303.3, and 444.2 cm‐1 are concluded to belong to A1g mode, which are consistent with the theoretical calculation results. Moreover, the field‐effect transistor (FET) devices based on SnP nanosheets show a typical n‐type characteristic with an on/off ratio of 103 at 200 K. SnP nanosheets also demonstrate excellent photoresponse performance under the illumination of 473, 532, and 639 nm lasers, which can be tuned by Vgs, Vds, and light power density. It is believed that these findings can provide the first‐hand experimental information for the future study of 2D SnP nanosheets.
Cryptic species of pondweeds (Potamogetonaceae) at an intercontinental scale revealed by molecular phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Fehrer Judith , Iida Satoko , Kaplan Zdenek 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically divergent entities that constitute an important part of Earth's biodiversity. They occur in all kingdoms of life, especially when morphological characters are scarce. Compared to the high number of plant species, relatively few cryptic species have been detected so far. Here, we report cryptic species in pondweeds (Potamogeton), freshwater aquatic angiosperms that are characterized by reduced morphology. Using four molecular markers (ITS, 5S‐NTS, rpl20‐5′rps12, trnT‐trnL), three of them unlinked, we found that the widespread P. octandrus consists of three divergent lineages that correspond to the geographic origins of samples from Africa, Asia, and Australia, respectively. Relatively high genetic divergence between these lineages, reciprocal monophyly and many fixed diagnostic characters indicate that P. octandrus consists of three cryptic species. We formally distinguish the African lineage as P. parvifolius and the Australian lineage as P. tenuicaulis from Asian P. octandrus s.str. Potamogeton tenuicaulis is paraphyletic with the Asian species P. cristatus, which differs by unique fruit characters. We assume that the ancestor of P. cristatus originated from Australia and reached Asia by long‐distance dispersal. Quality criteria for assigning species status to cryptic species and their formal taxonomic recognition are discussed.
Dynamic capabilities and organizational ambidexterity: New strategies from emerging market multinational enterprises in Nigeria
Authors: Ochie Chinedu , Nyuur Richard B. , Ludwig Greg , Cunningham James A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study examines the strategies that firms deploy in developing and scaling up organizational ambidexterity under conditions of environmental uncertainty. Using five emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) in the Nigerian financial sector as case studies the study provides a framework of four main ambidextrous strategies deployed by these firms. Based on the dynamic capabilities' lens, the study found that EMNEs pursue a combination of contextual and structural ambidextrous strategies, including new business models, investment in technology for strategic innovation, developing strategic alliances, and internationalization. These strategies serve as levers of dynamic capabilities for fostering exploration of new business opportunities, while strengthening, enriching, and exploiting their existing capabilities. These findings contribute to enriching the existing literature on ambidexterity by contributing to the ongoing debate about how ambidexterity manifest in EMNEs during periods of environmental uncertainty, particularly from an emerging country context.
Secular trends in prevalent mild cognitive impairment: Data from the Swedish population‐based study Good Aging in Skåne
Authors: Overton Marieclaire , Pihlsgård Mats , Elmståhl Sölve 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundResearch suggests that incident dementia is decreasing, yet research on secular trends of prodromal dementia such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is lacking.MethodsTo determine change of MCI prevalence over time and potential explanatory factors, four baseline samples (years 2001–2020) of Swedish participants (n = 3910) aged 60 and 81 at examination were compared.ResultsAn overall drop of 9 to 10 percentage points in MCI prevalence between 2001 and 2020 was observed, with lower odds ratios (OR) for MCI in the latest birth cohorts compared to earliest (e.g., ORs for 60‐year‐olds in latest born = 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.76). Adjustments for sociodemographic (e.g., education), lifestyle, vascular and metabolic health and depression could not fully explain the observed MCI decline (e.g., 60‐year‐olds, OR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.40–0.88).DiscussionStudies like this are imperative as even a slight postponement in the onset of dementia could have a substantial impact on future public health burden.
Defining and Measuring Dropout Phenomenon in Romanian Public Universities
Authors: Herţeliu Claudiu , Alexe-Coteţ Daniela , Hâj Cezar Mihai , Pârvan Andrei T. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIncreasing the number of people who complete higher education is among the highest political priorities agreed upon within the European Higher Education Area. The measures to meet the objective can be addressed in secondary education or by reducing the dropout at higher education level. Even if the policy objective is reflected in multiple official documents, little has been done to assess the dropout rate at the national level. The accurate estimation of the dropout phenomenon within tertiary education is more complex than it seems at first glance. It must take into account the very diverse processes that can occur throughout the academic student path. These are defined, regulated, and especially registered differently from one university to another: temporary interruption of studies, transfer between or within universities, pursuing two study programs at the same time or delayed graduation. The current research presented in this article is based on the analysis of available data from the National Student Enrolment Registry (RMUR), and it is part of a larger strategic project carried on by the executive institution in charge (UEFISCDI) together with the Ministry of Education in Romania. In this context, this paper aims to provide a definition of the dropout rate in the Romanian context, envisages the whole range of international approaches analyses the dropout rate through different variables in order to better highlight equity problems that need to be addressed.
Cholecystokinin/sulfakinin peptide signaling: conserved roles at the intersection between feeding, mating and aggression
Authors: Nässel Dick R. , Wu Shun-Fan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNeuropeptides are the most diverse messenger molecules in metazoans and are involved in regulation of daily physiology and a wide array of behaviors. Some neuropeptides and their cognate receptors are structurally and functionally well conserved over evolution in bilaterian animals. Among these are peptides related to gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK). In mammals, CCK is produced by intestinal endocrine cells and brain neurons, and regulates gall bladder contractions, pancreatic enzyme secretion, gut functions, satiety and food intake. Additionally, CCK plays important roles in neuromodulation in several brain circuits that regulate reward, anxiety, aggression and sexual behavior. In invertebrates, CCK-type peptides (sulfakinins, SKs) are, with a few exceptions, produced by brain neurons only. Common among invertebrates is that SKs mediate satiety and regulate food ingestion by a variety of mechanisms. Also regulation of secretion of digestive enzymes has been reported. Studies of the genetically tractable fly Drosophila have advanced our understanding of SK signaling mechanisms in regulation of satiety and feeding, but also in gustatory sensitivity, locomotor activity, aggression and reproductive behavior. A set of eight SK-expressing brain neurons plays important roles in regulation of these competing behaviors. In males, they integrate internal state and external stimuli to diminish sex drive and increase aggression. The same neurons also diminish sugar gustation, induce satiety and reduce feeding. Although several functional roles of CCK/SK signaling appear conserved between Drosophila and mammals, available data suggest that the underlying mechanisms differ.
Orthogonal Eisenstein series at harmonic points and modular forms of singular weight
Authors: Kiefer Paul 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe investigate the behaviour of orthogonal non-holomorphic Eisenstein series at their harmonic points by using theta lifts. In the case of singular weight, we show that the orthogonal non-holomorphic Eisenstein series that can be written as a theta lift have a simple pole at$$s = 1$$s=1whose residues yield holomorphic orthogonal modular forms that are Eisenstein series on the boundary. Moreover, we will investigate the image of this construction and give sufficient conditions for the surjectivity.
The effect of hypertonic saline evoked muscle pain on neurophysiological changes and exercise performance in the contralateral limb
Authors: Norbury Ryan , Smith Samuel A. , Burnley Mark , Judge Megan , Mauger Alexis R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNon-local muscle pain may impair endurance performance through neurophysiological mechanisms, but these are relatively unknown. This study examined the effects of muscle pain on neuromuscular and neurophysiological responses in the contralateral limb. On separate visits, nine participants completed an isometric time to task failure (TTF) using the right knee extensors after intramuscular injection of isotonic saline (CTRL) or hypertonic saline (HYP) into the left vastus lateralis. Measures of neuromuscular fatigue were taken before, during and after the TTF using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation. Mean pain intensity was greater in the left leg in HYP (3.3 ± 1.9) compared to CTRL (0.4 ± 0.7; P < 0.001) which was combined with a reduced TTF by 9.8% in HYP (4.54 ± 0.56 min) compared to CTRL (5.07 ± 0.77 min; P = 0.005). Maximum voluntary force was not different between conditions (all P > 0.05). Voluntary activation was lower in HYP compared to CTRL (P = 0.022). No difference was identified between conditions for doublet amplitude (P > 0.05). Furthermore, no difference in MEP·Mmax−1 or the TMS silent period between conditions was observed (all P > 0.05). Non-local pain impairs endurance performance of the contralateral limb. This impairment in performance is likely due to the faster attainment of the sensory tolerance limit from a greater amount of sensory feedback originating from the non-exercising, but painful, left leg.