bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Omicron‐specific mRNA vaccine induced cross‐protective immunity against ancestral SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with low neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Shen Kuan‐Yin , Yang Chung‐Hsiang , Chen Chiung‐Tong , Ho Hui‐Min , Chiu Fang‐Feng , Huang Chiung‐Yi , Liao Hung‐Chun , Hsu Chia‐Wei , Yu Guann‐Yi , Liao Ching‐Len , Chen Hsin‐Wei , Huang Ming‐Hsi , Liu Shih‐Jen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe major challenge in COVID‐19 vaccine effectiveness is immune escape by SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. To overcome this, an Omicron‐specific messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine was designed. The extracellular domain of the spike of the Omicron variant was fused with a modified GCN4 trimerization domain with low immunogenicity (TSomi). After immunization with TSomi mRNA in hamsters, animals were challenged with SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. The raised nonneutralizing antibodies or cytokine secretion responses can recognize both Wuhan S and Omicron S. However, the raised antibodies neutralized SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron virus infection but failed to generate Wuhan virus neutralizing antibodies. Surprisingly, TSomi mRNA immunization protected animals from Wuhan virus challenge. These data indicated that non‐neutralizing antibodies or cellular immunity may play a more important role in vaccine‐induced protection than previously believed. Next‐generation COVID‐19 vaccines using the Omicron S antigen may provide sufficient protection against ancestral or current SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
High‐pressure‐induced phase transition and amorphization of xylitol by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Shengya , Fang Wenhui , Li Fengjiao , Zhao Bo , Men Zhiwei 
Published: December 2022

AbstractCreating high‐pressure environments is an indispensable method to explore structural change, stability, and the upper limits for the application of xylitol under extreme conditions. Herein, we report a detailed description of the vibrations and phase transition of xylitol under high pressures by Raman spectroscopy. We found a novel phase transition of xylitol under 8.07 GPa by changing the O–H and CH2 vibrations. As the pressure further increased, xylitol underwent an amorphous transformation at 16.94 GPa. This study opens a new research perspective for polyols and expands the application of xylitol under extreme conditions.
Synthesis and characterization of supermacroporous cryogel with immobilized p‐aminobenzenesulfonamide as affinity ligand for the purification of lactoperoxidase from whey
Authors: Maciel Kátia Silva , Mól Paula Chequer Gouveia , Verissimo Lizzy Ayra Alcântara , Minim Valeria Paula Rodrigues , Minim Luis Antonio 
Published: December 2022

This study proposed the development of a monolithic supermacroporous affinity column for direct capture of lactoperoxidase, a glycoprotein present in milk, whey, and colostrum, with several applications due to its wide antimicrobial activity. A poly(acrylamide)‐based cryogel was produced by radical co‐polymerization of monomers in frozen aqueous solution and activated with p‐aminobenzenesulfonamide as a ligand for specific interaction with the lactoperoxidase. The axial liquid dispersion coefficients at different liquid flow rates were determined by measuring residence time distributions using the tracer pulse‐response method. The axial dispersion coefficient was low and the height equivalent to theoretical plate was not dependent on the flow velocity. The adsorptive capacity of affinity cryogel was studied as a function of flow velocity and the best condition was 0.9 cm/min. The response surface methodology was applied to optimize the capture of the enzyme, as a function of pH and salt concentration. Higher purification factor value was found at a salt concentration of 80 mmol/L and pH of 8.0 (p < 0.05). There was no influence of the variables under study on the yield (p > 0.05). The results indicated that affinity cryogel is a promising chromatography support for the use in high‐throughput one‐step purification of lactoperoxidase from whey.
Sonographic Assessment of Acute Versus Chronic Cholecystitis
Authors: Navarro Shannon M. , Chen Shuai , Situ Xiaolu , Corwin Michael T. , Loehfelm Thomas , Fananapazir Ghaneh 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesWhat sonographic variables are most predictive for acute cholecystitis? What variables differentiate acute and chronic cholecystitis?MethodsThe surgical pathology database was reviewed to identify adult patients who underwent cholecystectomy for cholecystitis and had a preceding ultrasound of the right upper quadrant within 7 days. A total of 236 patients were included in the study. A comprehensive imaging review was performed to assess for gallstones, gallbladder wall thickening, gallbladder distension, pericholecystic fluid, gallstone mobility, the sonographic Murphy's sign, mural hyperemia, and the common hepatic artery peak systolic velocity.ResultsOf 236 patients with a cholecystectomy, 119 had acute cholecystitis and 117 had chronic cholecystitis on surgical pathology. Statistical models were created for prediction. The simple model consists of three sonographic variables and has a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 83% in predicting acute versus chronic cholecystitis. The most predictive variables for acute cholecystitis were elevated common hepatic artery peak systolic velocity, gallbladder distension, and gallbladder mural abnormalities. If a patient had all three of these findings on their preoperative ultrasound, the patient had a 96% chance of having acute cholecystitis. Two of these variables gave a 73–93% chance of having acute cholecystitis. One of the three variables gave a 40–76% chance of having acute cholecystitis. If the patient had 0 of 3 of the predictor variables, there was a 29% chance of having acute cholecystitis.ConclusionsGallbladder distension, gallbladder mural abnormalities, and elevated common hepatic artery peak systolic velocity are the most important sonographic variables in predicting acute versus chronic cholecystitis.
Hearing‐related quality of life in children and adolescents in rural Alaska
Authors: Hicks Kelli L. , Robler Samantha Kleindienst , Simmons Ryan A. , Ross Alexandra , Egger Joseph R. , Emmett Susan D. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study evaluated the Hearing Environments and Reflection on Quality of Life (HEAR‐QL) questionnaire in rural Alaska, including an addendum crafted through community feedback to reflect the local context. The objectives were to assess whether HEAR‐QL score was inversely correlated with hearing loss and middle ear disease in an Alaska Native population.MethodsThe HEAR‐QL questionnaires for children and adolescents were administered as part of a cluster randomized trial in rural Alaska from 2017 to 2019. Enrolled students completed an audiometric evaluation and HEAR‐QL questionnaire on the same day. A cross‐sectional evaluation of questionnaire data was utilized.ResultsA total of 733 children (ages 7–12 years) and 440 adolescents (ages ≥13 years) completed the questionnaire. Median HEAR‐QL scores were similar among children with and without hearing loss (Kruskal–Wallis, p = .39); however, adolescent HEAR‐QL scores significantly decreased with increasing hearing loss (p < .001). Median HEAR‐QL scores were significantly lower in both children (p = .02) and adolescents (p < .001) with middle ear disease compared with those without. In both children and adolescents, the addendum scores were strongly correlated with total HEAR‐QL score (ρSpearman = 0.72 and 0.69, respectively).ConclusionsThe expected negative association between hearing loss and HEAR‐QL score was observed in adolescents. However, there was significant variability that could not be explained by hearing loss, and further investigation is warranted. The expected negative association was not observed in children. HEAR‐QL scores were associated with middle ear disease in both children and adolescents, making it potentially valuable in populations where the prevalence of ear infections is high.Level of EvidenceLevel 2Clinicaltrials.gov registration numbers: NCT03309553
Zooplankton‐derived dissolved organic matter composition and its bioavailability to natural prokaryotic communities
Authors: De Corte Daniele , Varela Marta M. , Louro Angeles M. , Bercovici Sarah K. , Valencia‐Vila Joaquín , Sintes Eva , Baltar Federico , Rodríguez‐Ramos Tamara , Simon Meinhard , Bode Antonio , Dittmar Thorsten , Niggemann Jutta 
Published: December 2022

AbstractZooplankton grazing onphytoplankton promotes the release of particulate and dissolved organic matter (DOM) into the water column and therefore plays a key role in organic matter cycling in aquatic systems. Prokaryotes are the main DOM consumers in the ocean by actively remineralizing and transforming it, contributing to its molecular diversification. To explore the molecular composition of zooplankton‐derived DOM and its bioavailability to natural prokaryotic communities, the DOM generated by a mixed zooplankton community in the coastal Atlantic off Spain was used as substrate for a natural prokaryotic community and monitored over a ~ 5‐d incubation experiment. The molecular composition of solid‐phase extracted DOM was characterized via Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. After ~ 4 d in the zooplankton‐derived DOM amended incubation, the prokaryotic community demonstrated a 17‐fold exponential increase in cell number. The prokaryotic growth resulted in a reduction in bulk dissolved organic carbon concentration and the zooplankton‐derived DOM was considerably transformed at molecular and bulk elemental levels over the incubation period. The C : N ratio (calculated from the obtained molecular formulae) increased while the functional diversity decreased over the incubation time. In addition, molecular indices pointed to a reduced bioavailability of DOM at the end of the experiment. These findings show that zooplankton excreta are a source of labile organic matter that is quickly metabolized by the prokaryotic community. Therefore, a fraction of carbon is shunted from transfer to secondary consumers similarly to the viral shunt, suggesting that the zooplankton–prokaryotic interactions play an important role in the ocean's carbon cycle.
A yeast‐based tool for screening mammalian diacylglycerol acyltransferase inhibitors
Authors: Gajdoš Peter , Ledesma‐Amaro Rodrigo , Nicaud Jean‐Marc , Rossignol Tristan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDysregulation of lipid metabolism is associated with obesity and metabolic diseases but there is also increasing evidence of a relationship between lipid body excess and cancer. Lipid body synthesis requires diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs) which catalyze the last step of triacylglycerol synthesis from diacylglycerol and acyl‐coenzyme A. The DGATs and in particular DGAT2, are therefore considered potential therapeutic targets for the control of these pathologies. Here, the murine and the human DGAT2 were overexpressed in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica deleted for all DGAT activities, to evaluate the functionality of the enzymes in this heterologous host and DGAT activity inhibitors. This work provides evidence that mammalian DGATs expressed in Y. lipolytica are a useful tool for screening chemical libraries to identify potential inhibitors or activators of these enzymes of therapeutic interest.
Is the government support programme for nurturing entrepreneurial universities effective? Evidence from Korea
Authors: Yoon Sangpil , Son Hosung 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis study analyses the effects of the ‘Fostering Leading Universities for Start‐ups’ (FLUS) project, which is one of the Korean government's support programmes for nurturing entrepreneurial universities. This study uses the difference‐in‐differences (DID) methodology based on the fixed‐effects model and the random‐effects model with panel data. The results show that the net effects of the FLUS project were not directly significant on the universities' entrepreneurial culture. However, they positively contributed to the universities' entrepreneurial activities and performance concerning sales and job creation through start‐ups. Thus, this study could provide implications for establishing university start‐up policies in countries.
Branch‐price‐and‐cut for the truck–drone routing problem with time windows
Authors: Li Hongqi , Wang Feilong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractConsidering the important realistic benefits of drones combined with trucks for last‐mile parcel deliveries, we define the truck–drone routing problem with time windows (TDRP‐TW). The TDRP‐TW has the characteristics of time windows, synchronization en route, direct delivery, multiple trucks, and multiple drones carried by each truck. Customers covered by truck routes can be used as drone launch/retrieval locations, which are called satellites in this study. The synchronization en route enables drones to launch from trucks to return to paired trucks at nodes other than departure sites if necessary. We present an effective branch‐price‐and‐cut algorithm, in which a concept named candidate forward‐satellite (CFS) is introduced to manage the labeling challenge caused by the synchronization en route. In addition, the branch‐price‐and‐cut algorithm is combined with an adaptive large neighborhood search to obtain approximation solutions for large‐scale instances. In the computational experiments, instances with up to 50 customers are solved to optimality, and approximation solutions of large‐scale instances with 100 customers are presented.
Sparse Bayesian learning for complex‐valued rational approximations
Authors: Schneider Felix , Papaioannou Iason , Müller Gerhard 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSurrogate models are used to alleviate the computational burden in engineering tasks, which require the repeated evaluation of computationally demanding models of physical systems, such as the efficient propagation of uncertainties. For models that show a strongly non‐linear dependence on their input parameters, standard surrogate techniques, such as polynomial chaos expansion, are not sufficient to obtain an accurate representation of the original model response. It has been shown that for models with discontinuities or rational dependencies, for example, frequency response functions of dynamic systems, the use of a rational (Padé) approximation can significantly improve the approximation accuracy. In order to avoid overfitting issues in previously proposed standard least squares approaches, we introduce a sparse Bayesian learning approach to estimate the coefficients of the rational approximation. Therein the linearity in the numerator polynomial coefficients is exploited and the denominator polynomial coefficients as well as the problem hyperparameters are determined through type‐II‐maximum likelihood estimation. We apply a quasi‐Newton gradient‐descent algorithm to find the optimal denominator coefficients and derive the required gradients through application of ‐calculus. The method is applied to the frequency response functions of an algebraic frame structure model as well as that of an orthotropic plate finite element model.
Selective Oxidation of Alcohols through Fe3O4@SiO2/K2CO3‐Glycerin Deep Eutectic Solvent as a Heterogeneous Catalytic System
Authors: Abbasi Sepideh , Reza Naimi‐Jamal Mohammad , Javanshir Shahrzad , Heydari Akbar 
Published: December 2022

AbstractK2CO3/Glycerin as a deep eutectic solvent (DES) was anchored covalently onto functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and showed a significant activity towards the oxidation of various alcohols under mild conditions with a short reaction time and good to high yield. A combination of the magnetic nanoparticles and deep eutectic solvent offers a novel, green, reusable catalyst with easy separation. Also, the catalyst structure was well characterized using techniques such as FT‐IR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, TGA, BET, VSM, TEM, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS).
Continuous Flow Synthesis of Cd1‐xZnxS and CdS/ZnS Core/Shell Semiconductor Nanoparticles by MicroJet Reactor Technology
Authors: Hiemer Julia , Stöwe Klaus 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFrom aqueous precursor solutions of metal salts and sodium sulfide using MicroJet Reactor (MJR) technology Cd1‐xZnxS and CdS/ZnS core/shell semiconductor nanoparticles were synthesized. The MJR approach represents an automated, continuous, flexible and scalable route for nanoparticle synthesis, providing a tight control over process parameters and thus simple size, shape and composition control. Since particle sizes below the excitonic Bohr radius were obtained by MJR, the nanoparticulate materials exhibit quantum confinement effects. By varying the precursor ratio the band gap of Cd1‐xZnxS Quantum Dots (QDs) could be targeted from 3.1 to 3.6 eV. CdS/ZnS core/shell QDs were prepared by enclosing CdS particles from MJR with ZnS produced by thermal decomposition of a Zn‐MPA complex. Adjustment of the shell thickness increased the photoluminescence intensity by 43 %. Synthesis of ternary sulfides in the form of core/shell particles broadens the spectrum of materials accessible by MJR and demonstrates the extraordinary flexibility of the technology.
High removal of chlorinated solvents by reusable polydimethylsiloxane based absorbents
Authors: Saleh Medina Leila M. , Cánneva Antonela , Molinari Fabricio N. , D'Accorso Norma , Negri R. Martín 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe objective of this work is to prepare absorbent materials based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for the absorption of organic solvents by a relative simple method, with large absorption capacities and reusability. Different particles (ZnO, MgSO4, ZnCl2, and NaHCO3) were first incorporated in PDMS and then removed by immersion in HCl (c) or water. The absorbent materials were characterized by TGA, mercury porosimetry, stress–strain curves, SEM, EDS, XPS, FTIR, and water contact angle. The materials can absorb polar organic chlorinated solvents (carbon tetrachloride, dichloroethene, dichloromethane, and chloroform) more than four times its own weight. Other solvents were also tested showing 2–3 times its own weight. Additionally, these materials show demulsification properties and absorption of oleophilic compounds. The reusability of the material makes them good candidates for remediation of polluted water.
Inclusive urban entrepreneurial ecosystem policies: An application of the meta‐synthesis approach
Authors: Shakiba Hodjat , Delangizan Sohrab , Mohamadifar Yosef 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPoverty has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. Despite the nature of entrepreneurship to facilitate economic development, there are limited studies regarding the related concept of inclusive development. This issue is the motivating factor for this study to introduce the concept of inclusive urban entrepreneurial ecosystem (IUEE). IUEE provides a market‐ and resource‐based view of poverty alleviation and can be considered as a new pattern of inclusive business (IBs) growth. Hence, the aim of this study is to formulate policies for IUEE by conducting a qualitative meta‐synthesis of the theoretical literature. In this meta‐synthesis, we synthesized a total of 155 findings from 64 studies conducted to date. The results are grouped into 17 concepts and nine main policies as follows: IUEE modeling, considering the role of IBs, improving the ecosystem members' social interactions, supporting inclusive entrepreneurship intermediaries, sustained commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, strengthening learning opportunities in the ecosystem, maintaining the ecosystem diversity and dynamics, improving the inclusive entrepreneurship facilities and managing the inputs and outputs of the ecosystem. The findings of this study can be used to develop IUEEs and achieve entrepreneurial cities.
C4 photosynthesis in Paulownia? A case of inaccurate citations
Authors: Young Sophie N. R. , Lundgren Marjorie R. 
Published: December 2022

Societal Impact StatementC4 photosynthesis is an ultra‐efficient mode of photosynthesis found in some of our most productive crop species yet is notably rare in trees. Given C4 photosynthesis is associated with high yield in herbaceous species, especially under hot and dry conditions, C4 trees may seem an attractive prospect for biomass production and carbon sequestration in a rapidly changing climate. This may explain why some in the literature have optimistically linked C4 photosynthesis with the exceptionally fast‐growing tree Paulownia. However, this claim is lacking in evidence and represents an example of poor citation practices leading to the spread of misinformation.Summary

The rapid growth of trees in genus Paulownia (Paulowniaceae) has been attributed in the literature to their use of C4 photosynthesis, a complex trait that confers increased photosynthetic efficiency under certain environmental conditions. After careful examination of citations used to support the idea that Paulownia species use C4 photosynthesis, we find that there is no data underpinning this claim. Despite this, many investment schemes utilise information about the physiology of Paulownia, including photosynthetic type, to legitimise the use of Paulownia trees for financial investment and carbon offsetting.
This study uses leaf physiology, anatomy and stable isotope data to determine whether or not three species in Paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa, Paulownia fortunei and Paulownia kawakamii) use C4 photosynthesis. These data are compared with existing data for C3 and C4 woody species in the literature.
We show that the leaf physiology, anatomy and stable isotope phenotypes of the three Paulownia trees considered in the study are not consistent with those of C4 plants.
Our findings highlight how inaccurate citation of scientific findings can contribute to the spread of misinformation beyond the scientific community, as some of those promoting investments in Paulownia plantations reference the photosynthetic superiority of Paulownia as a means to legitimise its use in carbon offsetting.
The ChaC1 active site: Defining the residues and determining the role of ChaC1‐exclusive residues in the structural and functional stability
Authors: Suyal Shradha , Choudhury Chinmayee , Bachhawat Anand K. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe glutathione degrading enzyme ChaC1 is highly upregulated in several cancers and viral infections making it a potential pharmacological target for cancer therapy. As an enzyme, however, ChaC1 has a relatively high Km (~2 mM) towards its natural substrate, and therefore finding its inhibitors becomes very difficult. Given this limitation, a careful mapping of the active site has become necessary. In the current study, the enzyme‐substrate complex was generated by docking glutathione with the modeled hChaC1 structure. Using a combination of in silico and wet lab approaches, the active site residues forming direct interactions with the substrate glutathione were identified and validated. Furthermore, the role of residues exclusively conserved in the ChaC family and forming the surface of the active site were also explored for their putative role in active site stabilization. Mutants of these residues have been analysed for their structural stability and interaction with the substrate through MD simulations and MMGBSA binding energy calculations. These findings were experimentally validated by assessment of their function through in vivo assays in yeast. The experimental evidences along with the molecular modeling suggest that residues 38'YGSL'41, D68, R72, E115, and Y143 are responsible for high affinity binding of hChaC1 with the substrate/inhibitor, whereas the residues exclusive to the ChaC family are required for the structural stability of the enzyme and its active site. Such a characterization of essential active site and conserved residues is significant as a key step toward rational design of novel inhibitors of the ChaC1 enzyme.