bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of the Rubella virus protease reveals a unique papain-like protease fold
Authors: Cheong Ezekiel Ze Ken , Quek Jun Ping , Xin Liu , Li Chaoqiang , Chan Jing Yi , Liew Chong Wai , Mu Yuguang , Zheng Jie , Luo Dahai 
Published: April 2022

AbstractRubella is well-controlled due to an effective vaccine, but outbreaks are still occurring without any available antiviral treatments. There is still much to learn about the rubella virus (RUBV) papain-like protease (RubPro) that could be a potential drug target. This protease is crucial to RUBV replication, cleaving the non-structural polyprotein p200 into 2 multi-functional proteins, p150 and p90. Here we report a novel crystal structure of RubPro at 1.64 Å resolution. It has a similar catalytic core structure to that of SARS-CoV-2 and foot-mouth-disease virus (FMDV) proteases. RubPro has well-conserved sequence motifs that are also found in its newly discovered Rubivirus relatives. The RubPro construct was shown to have protease activity in trans against a construct of RUBV protease-helicase and fluorogenic peptide. A protease-helicase construct was also cleaved in E. coli expression. RubPro was demonstrated to possess deubiquitylation activity, suggesting a potential role of RubPro in modulating the host’s innate immune responses. The structural and functional insights of the RubPro will advance our current understanding of its function and point to more structure-based research into the RUBV replication machinery, in hopes of developing antiviral therapeutics in the future.
Memory and Concentration Skills In A Sample of First Grade Medical Students at University of Baghdad/College of Medicine
Authors: Fadhil Zaher Mohammed , Khashea Mohammed Saad , Abdulqader Ali Fadhil , Jawad Almothaffar Ali M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to assess the level of memory skills and concentration skills among first year medical students in College of Medicine/University of Baghdad depending on global scale (Study Skills Inventory SSI).Subjects and MethodA cross-sectional study to assess memory and concentration skills among first year medical students in College of Medicine/ University of Baghdad, the study was conducted using an online survey in September 2020. A sample of 103 students participated in the study by filling of an online questionnaire which was modified from the Study Skills Inventory (SSI).Regarding memory skills a score less than 30 was considered not adequate, while regarding concentration skills a score less than 35 was considered not adequate.ResultsPercentage of males was 68% and the percentage of females was 32%. About studying hours we found that 59.2% students study less than 3 hours, 25.2% students study between 3-6 hours and 15.5% students study more than 6 hours. The mean score of the students for concentration skills was 36.45 and was 32.40 for memory skills. Regarding concentration skills 35% students had non adequate score and 65% students had adequate score, regarding memory skills 28.2% students had non adequate score and 71.8% students had adequate score. There is a statistically significant association between concentration skills and studying hours and there is statistically significant association between memory skills and studying hours. There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between concentration skill score and the memory skill score of the students total score (r = 0.511, p < 0.01).ConclusionAbout 75% of 1st year medical students have adequate concentration and memory skills. The students who study for 3-6 hours daily have the least mean score of both skills with 42.3% of them have adequate concentration skills score and 57.7% had adequate memory skills score. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to correlate the concentration and memory skills with student end year average total score.
Microsatellite Density Landscapes Illustrate Short Tandem Repeats Aggregation in The Complete Reference Human Genome
Authors: Xia Yun , Li Douyue , Chen Tingyi , Pan Saichao , Huang Hanrou , Zhang Wenxiang , Liang Yulin , Fu Yongzhuo , Peng Zhuli , Zhang Hongxi , Zhang Liang , Peng Shan , Shi Ruixue , He Xingxin , Zhou Siqian , Jiao Weili , Zhao Xiangyan , Wu Xiaolong , Zhou Lan , Zhou Jingyu , Ouyang Qingjian , Tian You , Jiang Xiaoping , Zhou Yi , Tang Shiying , Shen Junxiong , Ohshima Kazusato , Tan Zhongyang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundMicrosatellites are increasingly realized to have biological significance in human genome and health in past decades, the assembled complete reference sequence of human genome T2T-CHM13 brought great help for a comprehensive study of short tandem repeats in the human genome.ResultsMicrosatellites density landscapes of all 24 chromosomes were built here for the first complete reference sequence of human genome T2T-CHM13. These landscapes showed that short tandem repeats (STRs) are prone to aggregate characteristically to form a large number of STRs density peaks. We classified 8,823 High Microsatellites Density Peaks (HMDPs), 35,257 Middle Microsatellites Density Peaks (MMDPs) and 199, 649 Low Microsatellites Density Peaks (LMDPs) on the 24 chromosomes; and also classified the motif types of every microsatellites density peak. These STRs density aggregation peaks are mainly composing of a single motif, and AT is the most dominant motif, followed by AATGG and CCATT motifs. And 514 genomic regions were characterized by microsatellite density feature in the full T2T-CHM13 genome.ConclusionsThese landscape maps exhibited that microsatellites aggregate in many genomic positions to form a large number of microsatellite density peaks with composing of mainly single motif type in the complete reference genome, indicating that the local microsatellites density varies enormously along the every chromosome of T2T-CHM13.
Chronically radiation-exposed survivor glioblastoma cells display poor response to Chk1 inhibition
Authors: Degirmenci Nareg Pinarbasi , Sur-Erdem Ilknur , Akcay Vuslat , Bolukbasi Yasemin , Selek Ugur , Solaroglu Ihsan , Bagci-Onder Tugba 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTGlioblastoma is the most common type of primary brain tumor with an aggressive clinical course, and one of the cornerstones in its treatment regimen is radiotherapy. However, tumor cells surviving after radiation is an indicator of treatment failure; therefore, better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating radiotherapy response is of utmost importance. In this study, we generated multiple clinically relevant irradiation exposed models, where we applied fractionated radiotherapy over a long period of time and selected irradiation-survivor (IR-Surv) glioblastoma cell populations. In these cells, we examined the transcriptomic alterations, cell cycle and growth rate changes as well as responses to secondary radiotherapy and DNA damage response (DDR) modulators. Accordingly, IR-Surv cells exhibited slower growth and partly retained their ability to resist secondary irradiation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that IR-Surv cells upregulated the expression of DDR-related genes, such as CHK1, ATM, ATR, MGMT, and had better DNA repair capacity as an adaptive mechanism. Separately, we report IR-Surv cells to display downregulation of hypoxic signature and the lower induction of hypoxia target genes and not exhibiting the same level of hypoxia-induced changes with naïve glioblastoma cells, as gauged by exposing cells to different hypoxia conditions. We also showed that Chk1 inhibition alone or in combination with irradiation significantly reduces cell viability in both naïve and IR-Surv cells. However, IR-Surv cells were markedly less sensitive to Chk1 inhibition under hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, consistent with previous reports, we demonstrate the utility of combining DDR inhibitors and irradiation as a successful approach for both naïve and IR-Surv glioblastoma cells as long as cells are refrained from hypoxic conditions. Thus, our findings with clinically relevant radiation survivor models will have future translational implications and benefit the optimization of combination therapies for glioblastoma patients.
Higher basal tumor immune activity coupled with a systemic immune response improves liver cancer outcomes
Authors: Talesh Ghazal Alipour , Vitale Daniele , Langfelder Peter , Azardaryany Mahmoud Karimi , Berry Michael , Belgard T. Grant , Choo Jocelyn , Rogers Geraint , Ho Vikki , Ramezani-Moghadam Mehdi , Dervish Suat , Lai Joey , Gloss Brian S. , Worth Catherine L. , McLeod Duncan , Eslam Mohammed , Liddle Christopher , Qiao Liang , George Jacob , Esmaili Saeed 
Published: April 2022

AbstractA holistic understanding of anti-tumor immunity requires examination of systemic immunity beyond the tumor microenvironment. This link between systemic and tumor immune activity is underexplored. We demonstrate that a stronger Type I interferon response in human liver tumors predicts better survival and correlates with the immune response in the adjacent non-tumor liver. Further, in patients with liver cancer, clonal hematopoiesis (CH) (a marker of systemic immune activation) is associated with a trend towards improved survival. In a mouse model of liver cancer, basal liver immune responses correlate with the degree of bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell responses. A higher systemic and liver immune response, marked by innate myeloid cell infiltration reduces tumor burden, while sub-optimal systemic and liver immunity corresponded with a higher tumor burden. Our findings indicate that the state of bone marrow hematopoiesis impacts liver tumor outcomes, offering both therapeutic and prognostic opportunities.
Single acoustic closed loop stimulation in mice to modulate hippocampo-thalamo-cortical activity and performance
Authors: Aksamaz Sonat , Mölle Matthias , Olubukola Akinola Esther , Bazhenov Maxim , Marshall Lisa 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNeural brain rhythms of sleep reflect neuronal activity underlying sleep-associated memory consolidation. The modulation of brain rhythms, for instance the sleep slow oscillation (SO) is used both to investigate neurophysiological mechanisms as well as to measure the impact on presumed functional correlates. In humans, auditory closed-loop stimulation targeted to the SO Up-state successfully enhanced the slow oscillation rhythm and phase-dependent spindle activity, although effects on memory retention have varied. Here, we aim to disclose relations between stimulation induced hippocampo-thalamo-cortical activity and retention performance on a hippocampus dependent task in mice. Closed-loop acoustic stimuli applied during four SO phases always acutely increased sharp wave ripple (SPWR) activity without disrupting non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Stimulation achieved an above chance preference index for stimuli delivered across a 3 h retention interval of sleep at the SO Up-state and at the Down-to-Up-state, but not at the Down-state nor late Up-state/Up-to Down-state. Results support the use of closed-loop acoustic stimulation in mice to investigate the inter-regional mechanisms underlying memory consolidation.
Quantifying the impact of ISO 9001 standard on the project and engineering management and success factors; A case of construction industry
Authors: Khatatbeh Ahmed Ali 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThis study evaluates the implementation of ISO 9001 using total quality management on the engineering, procurement and construction phases in the Jordanian construction sector.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative design has been employed with a total of 132 project team members selected from 5 construction organizations working in Jordan. A close-ended questionnaire was used to gather data which was later evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe results show a significant role in project performance, customer satisfaction, project quality, cost-effectiveness, time effectiveness, shared cooperation and motivation of employees. It emphasizes the role of engineering in achieving the ISO 9001 standard. Quality standards in the construction project were also endorsed by 46.2% of participants, while 33.3% responded neutrally. The time effectiveness aspects of ISO 9001 endorsed by 38.5% participants 33.3% participants disagreed. Majority of the managers (61.5%) agreed that poor planning is a major barrier in the engineering phase (p-value, 0.011), followed by the incomplete design (56.4%) as the prime impeding factors linked to the decline of the quality in the construction sector.Originality/valueWith the integration of the ISO 9001 quality standard, project managers can improve the project quality and make it cost-effective. The successful adaptation of the ISO 9001 certification allows the company to not only market its product/service but also internally audit itself for the possible deficits in its work capacity.
The values and barriers of BIM implementation combination evaluation based on stakeholder theory: a study in China
Authors: Chen Yansheng , Cai Xiaotong , Li Jie , Lin Peng , Song Huitong , Liu Guoqing , Cao Dongming , Ma Xiaohui 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to the perspective of stakeholders, from external variables of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) system, users, task flow, the nature of the development of the execution process, organizational structure and policy impacts, that established a relationship among the internal concepts and intentions for the BIM application, individual or organizational differences, controlling interference factors and environmental constraints, discussed the combination of the values and barriers of BIM implementation.Design/methodology/approachThrough the co-occurrence statistics and genre analysis based on co-citation context analysis and constructs the common information that impacts the combination of values and barriers of BIM implementation. Then, the paper chose the expert database of the green construction and intelligent building branch of the China construction association, and obtained 104 sample data through modified snowball sampling, using exploratory factor analysis with factor load linear functions, combined factor variance contribution rate weights.actor variance contribution rate weights.FindingsThe results show that eight aspects can be defined as the values of BIM implementation (VI), and the barriers of BIM implementation (BI) mainly come from five aspects caused by insufficient cognition and two aspects of an uncertain value in China.Originality/valueThis research reflects a combined evaluation of the values of BIM implementation and barriers of BIM and highlights the significance of the sustainable development of BIM technology and the value of building future informatization applications.
Mobile learning and communication: educational change?; a systematic review
Authors: Mauri Medrano Marta , Lafarga Ostáriz Pablo , Del Barrio Aranda Luis , Soler Costa Rebeca 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe authors of this research present a study on Mmobile learning (ML) and the communication processes that are generated in different educational and professional contexts through a systematic review.Design/methodology/approachThis is descriptive research that analyzes a total of 201 results present in Web of Science and SCOPUS, with the criteria established by the PRISMA protocol, giving special relevance to the following categories: country of origin, date of publication, main objectives, methodological design, variables analyzed and considered, size and details of the samples; and their respective scientific contributions in relation to their area of research.FindingsThe results show significant methodological discrepancies with respect to the established criteria. Five blocks of action are apparent: technical issues, influence on learning, impact on satisfaction and motivation, impact on communicative processes and new forms of interaction.Originality/valueThe value of this research lies on offering a critical view based on an in-depth analysis of the existing scientific production between ML and communication in education.
The effects of ethnicity, gender and parental financial socialisation on financial knowledge among Gen Z: the case of Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Wee Lynn Ling Min , Goy Siew Ching 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial socialisation experiences, socio-economic factors, demographic characteristics and the financial knowledge of first year undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire, data were collected from a sample of 450 first year university students from both private and public universities. A multivariate regression method was adopted to examine the influence of financial socialisation among respondents of different ethnic groups and their social backgrounds on the individual's financial knowledge.FindingsThe findings indicate that: firstly, financial knowledge is low among first-year university students in Sarawak. Secondly, male respondents outperform female counterparts in terms of financial knowledge. Thirdly, parental financial socialisation remains the main source of financial knowledge among the students. Fourthly, there are significant differences in financial knowledge across ethnic groups.Research limitations/implicationsIt is paramount to implement financial education programmes to elevate the financial literacy for both youth and parents since parents remain the primary source of financial socialisation for young adults.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that financial knowledge varies according to gender and ethnicity. Hence, financial education programmes should be designed to accommodate the differences between groups based on ethnicity and gender to achieve the best outcome.Originality/valueThis is the first study that draws a representative sample of university students in Sarawak that examines the effects of ethnicity, gender and parental financial socialisation on financial knowledge among first year university students.
Information matters: attitude towards organ donation in a general university population web-survey in Italy
Authors: Terraneo Marco , Caserini Alessandra 
Published: April 2022

PurposeTransplantation extends and improves lives, but the shortage of organs is one of the main factors limiting the number of transplants in Italy, as well as in other countries. This study investigated the awareness about organ donation and the socio-demographic factors associated with donation will in a general population.Design/methodology/approachIn 2019, a survey was carried out by computer-assisted web interviewing. A questionnaire was sent via e-mail to 39,360 individuals (i.e. students, administrative and teaching staff of the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy). The response rate was 10.6% and 4,191 weighted cases were used in the analysis.FindingsThis study showed a strong, positive attitude towards donation: over 96% of respondents stated to be keen on organ donation. Of the respondents, 40.8% considered themselves informed on medical procedures involving organ donation, and only 15.8% thought to have sufficient legal information. Overall, only 17.7% of respondents thought that the information available was sufficient to make informed decisions. According to the respondents, ethical and religious implications were the main reasons (30% of answers) that limited the level of information. Just 57.9% of respondents had already recorded their willingness to donate. Among them, renewal of the identity card was the most common motivation (55.8%) and the main motivation reported for lack of expression of donation will was the lack of opportunity or time (61.5%).Originality/valueA positive attitude towards donation demands a wide public education programme and opportunities to declare one's will to donate to increase the population of potential organ donors.
System dynamics model for intra-city multimodal transportation considering behavioral indicators and demand under uncertainty conditions
Authors: Tavakkolimoghaddam Saeed , Hadji Molana Seyyed Mohammad , Javadi Mehrdad , Azizi Amir 
Published: April 2022

PurposeBy designing a system dynamics model in the form of a multimodal transportation system, this study for the first time seeks to reduce costs and time, and increase customer satisfaction by considering uncertainties in the intra city transit system, especially demand uncertainty and provide a prototype system to prove the capability of the dynamical system.Design/methodology/approachThe paper tried to model the factors affecting the intra city multimodal transportation system by defining different scenarios in the cause-and-effect model. The maps and results developed according to system dynamics modeling principles are discussed.FindingsFour scenarios were considered given the factors affecting the urban transportation system to implement the transportation information system for reducing the material and non-material costs of wrong planning of the intra city transit system. After implementing the scenarios, scenario two was selected under the following conditions: advertising for cultural development, support of authorities by efforts such as street widening to reduce traffic, optimize infrastructure, increase and optimize public transport and etc.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is considering uncertainty in traffic optimization; taking into account behavioral and demand indicators such as cultural promotion, official support, early childhood learning, traffic hours and the impact of traveler social status; investigating the factors affecting the system under investigation and the reciprocal effects of these factors and real-world simulation by considering the factors and effects between them.
Determinants of working poverty in Indonesia
Authors: Faharuddin Faharuddin , Endrawati Darma 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe study’s first aim is to estimate the scale of working poverty using a nationwide household survey. The second aim is to answer the following research questions: is working enough to escape poverty, and what are the determinants of working poverty?Design/methodology/approachThe focus is on working people in Indonesia who have per capita household expenditure below the provincial poverty line. The determinant analysis used logistic regression on the first quarter of 2013 Susenas microdata.FindingsThe study found that the scale of the working poverty problem is equivalent to the scale of the poverty, although the in-work poverty rate is lower than the poverty rate in all provinces. The logistic regression results conclude that the three factors, namely individual-level, employment-related and household-level variables, have significant contributions to the incidence of the working poor in Indonesia.Practical implicationsSome practical implications for reducing the incidence of working poverty are increasing labor earnings through productivity growth and improving workers' skills, encouraging the labor participation of the poor and reducing precarious work. This study also suggests the need to continue assisting the working poor, particularly by increasing access to financial credit.Originality/valueResearch aimed at studying working poverty in Indonesia in the peer-reviewed literature is rare until now based on the authors' search. This study will fill the gap and provoke further research on working poverty in Indonesia.