bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Heterologous Subtilin Production in Bacillus subtilis W168
Authors: Zhang Qian , Kobras Carolin M. , Gebhard Susanne , Mascher Thorsten , Wolf Diana 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSubtilin is a peptide antibiotic (lantibiotic) natively produced by Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633. It is encoded in a gene cluster spaBTCSIFEGRK (spa‑locus) consisting of four transcriptional units: spaS (subtilin pre-peptide), spaBTC (modification and export), spaIFEG (immunity) and spaRK (regulation). Despite the pioneer understanding on subtilin biosynthesis, a robust platform to facilitate subtilin research and improve subtilin production is still a poorly explored spot.ResultsIn this work, the intact spa-locus was successfully integrated into the chromosome of Bacillus subtilis W168, which is the by far best-characterized Gram-positive model organism with powerful genetics and advantages in industrial use. Through systematic analysis of spa-promoter activities in B. subtilis W168 wild type and mutant strains, our work demonstrates that subtilin is basally expressed in B. subtilis W168, and the transition state regulator AbrB strongly represses subtilin biosynthesis in a growth phase-dependent manner. The deletion of AbrB remarkably enhanced subtilin gene expression, resulting in comparable yield of bioactive subtilin production as for B. subtilis ATCC6633. However, while in B. subtilis ATCC6633 AbrB regulates subtilin gene expression via SigH, which in turn activates spaRK, AbrB of B. subtilis W168 controls subtilin gene expression in SigH-independent manner, except for the regulation of spaBTC. Furthermore, the work shows that subtilin biosynthesis in B. subtilis W168 is regulated by the two-component regulatory system SpaRK and strictly relies on subtilin itself as inducer to fulfill the autoregulatory circuit. In addition, by incorporating the subtilin-producing system (spa-locus) and subtilin-reporting system (PpsdA-lux) together, we developed “online” reporter strains to efficiently monitor the dynamics of subtilin biosynthesis. ConclusionsWithin this study, the model organism B. subtilis W168 was successfully established as a novel platform for subtilin biosynthesis and the underlying regulatory mechanism was comprehensively characterized. This work will not only facilitate genetic (engineering) studies on subtilin, but also pave the way for its industrial production. More broadly, this work will shed new light on the heterologous production of other lantibiotics.
Reliability and Validity of the Chinese version of a Short Form of the Family Health Scale
Authors: Wang Fei , Wu Yunchou , Sun Xiaonan , Wang Dong , Ming Weijie , Sun Xinying , Wu Yibo 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Objective

To translate a Short Form of the Family Health Scale (FHS-SF) and to test the reliability and Validity of the Chinese version of the FHS-SF.
Method

A Short Form of the Family Health Scale was Chinese translated with the consent of the original author. A total of 8912 residents were surveyed in 120 cities across China using a multistage sampling method, with gender, ethnicity, and education level as quota variables. 750 participants were selected to participate in this study, and 44 participants were randomly selected to be retested one month later.
Result

The Cronbach’s alpha of the Chinese version of a Short Form the Family Health Scale was 0.83,the Cronbach’s alphas of the four subscales ranged from 0.70 to 0.90, the retest reliability of the scale was 0.75, the standardized factor loadings of the validation factor analysis were above 0.50, GFI = 0.98; NFI = 0.97; RFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.07, all within acceptable limits.
Conclusion

The Chinese version of a Short Form the Family Health Scale has good reliability and validity and can be used to assess the level of family health of Chinese residents.
Rate of Recurrent Hydronephrosis After Laparoscopic Ureteroneocystostomy for Ureteral Endometriosis
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Hada Tomonori , Yanai Shiori , Kanno Kiyoshi , Sakate Shintaro , Sawada Mari , Yoshino Yasunori , Andou Masaaki 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Study Objective: To investigate the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy in patients with ureteral endometriosis (UE).Design: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for the ureter endometriosis with hydronephrosis.Setting: A private hospital that provide primary, secondary and tertiary care.Patients: 30 consecutive patients with UE who underwent laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy at our institution between May 2008 and April 2020. Interventions: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy, if necessary, hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, cystectomy, partial bladder resection, or partial bowel resection were performed.Measurements and Main Results: The most common chief complaint was pelvic pain (40%). Endometriosis affected only the left ureter in 56.7% of patients, only the right ureter in 33.3%, and both ureters in 6.7%. Involvement of the ipsilateral ovary was confirmed in 64.3%. The most frequent location of UE was 1 to 3 cm above the UVJ (46.7%). A psoas hitch was performed in 7 patients (23.3%), and the Boari flap was used in 9 patients (30%). Hysterectomy was performed in 12 patients (40%), and 6 of them had a concomitant bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (20%). In addition, 3 patients (10%) underwent partial bowel resection, and 2 patients (6.7%) underwent partial bladder resection. After surgery, 24 of 27 patients (80.0%) were free of sever hydronephrosis after surgery. Hydronephrosis recurred in a single patient (3.3%), but the grade of hydronephrosis improved significantly after surgery (P<.001). At 6 months of follow up, 4 patients (13.3%) experienced urinary tract infections and 2 patients (6.7%) reported dysuria. Patients reported a regression of dysmenorrhea symptoms (P<.001). Conclusion: This study shows that ureteroneocystostomy provides good results in terms of relapses and symptoms’ control in patients with ureteral endometriosis.
Linear-to-Circular Polarization Converter with Adjustable Bandwidth Realized by the Graphene Transmissive Metasurface
Authors: Zhang Xinlei , Ye Haining , Zhao Yan , Zhang Haifeng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
A tunable linear-to-circular polarization converter (LTCPC) for the terahertz (THz) regime which consists of two conductive layers and a graphene transmissive metasurface layer separated by two dielectric layers is reported in this work. The equivalent surface resistance modeling method is adopted to investigate the peculiar electronic properties of graphene. The simulation results show that when the Fermi energy (Ef) is 1.1 eV, the linearly-polarized wave can be transformed into the circularly-polarized wave in the working band ranging from 0.9498 THz to 1.3827 THz (the relative bandwidth is 37.1%) with axial ratio (AR) less than 3 dB. Moreover, the bandwidth can be regulated to the desired one by varying the Fermi level of graphene metasurface via a bias voltage rather than manually modifying the structure. We have analyzed the mechanism of the polarization conversion, especially, the magnitudes and the phase difference of cross- and co-polarization transmission coefficients, AR curves, and surface current diagrams at y-polarized incidence. Our findings open up promising possibilities towards the realization of graphene controllable devices for polarization modulation, which has advantages of adjustability over traditional devices.
Individual Split Au Square Ring for Surface Enhanced Raman and Hyper-Raman Scattering
Authors: ZHang RuXin , Du Chaoling , Sun Lu , XuRong Wang , Li Xiang , Lei MingXin , Shi DaNing 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In this paper, individual split Au square rings were numerically proposed as novel substrates for surface enhanced Raman and hyper-Raman scattering (SERS and SEHRS) simultaneously. The peak wavelengths of their localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) are revealed to fall in the near-infrared and visible light region, respectively, which are able to be finely tuned to match well with the wavelengths of the incident laser and hyper Raman scattered light beams. Their SEHRS and SERS performances along with electromagnetic (EM) field distributions are numerically investigated by finite element method. With the enhancement of near electric-fields generated by LSPRs, the maximum SEHRS and SERS enhancement factors are demonstrated to reach 1.22×1012 and 108, respectively. Meanwhile, the corresponding SERS based refractive-index (RI) sensitivity factor reaches as high as 258nm/RIU and 893nm/RIU, at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, respectively. The proposed structure is believed to hold great promise both for developing SEHRS, SERS and SERS based RI sensing substrates, which shows strong potential applications in nano sensing and enhanced Raman scattering.
Disturbed Boundaries Extraction in Coal-grain Overlap Areas With High Groundwater Levels Using UAV-based Visible and Multispectral Imagery
Authors: Guo Yunqi , Zhao Yanling , Yan Haoyue 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Coal-grain overlap areas (CGOA) with high groundwater levels are vulnerable to subsidence and water logging during a series of mining activities, which have adverse impacts on crop yields. Such damage requires full reports of disturbed boundaries for the agricultural reimbursement and ongoing reclamation. Since direct measurements are difficult in such a case because of vast, unreachable areas, so it is necessary to be able to identify out-of-production boundary (OB) and reduced-production boundary (RB) in the corresponding region. In this study, OB was extracted by setting thresholds through characteristics of the cultivated land elevation based on UAV-generated digital surface model (DSM) and digital orthophoto map (DOM). Meanwhile, aboveground biomass (AGB), the soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value of chlorophyll contents, and leaf area index (LAI), were used to select the appropriate vegetation indexes (VI) to perform a reduced-production map (RM) based on power regression (PR), exponential regression (ER), multiple linear regression (MR) and random forest (RF) algorithms. Finally, an improved OTSU segmentation algorithm was applied to extract mild RB and severe RB. The results show elevation threshold segmentation method and the improved OTSU segmentation method can accurately recognize and extract disturbed boundaries, which are consistent with the tonal difference after crop damage in the image. This study provides reference methods and theoretical supports for disturbed boundaries determination in CGOA with high groundwater levels for further agricultural compensation and reclamation processes.
Ecomorphological Variation in Trithemis (Odonata, Libellulidae) Dragonfly Wings Reconsidered
Authors: MacLeod Norman , Price Benjamin , Stevens Zachary 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The phylogenetic ecology and wing ecomorphology of the Afro-Asian dragonfly genus Trithemis have been investigated previously. Curiously, results reported for the forewing and hindwing shape variation in the latter were, in some ways, at odds with expectations given the mapping of landscape and water-body preferences over the Trithemis cladogram. To confirm these results we conducted a wing-shape investigation of 27 Trithemis species that employed a robust statistical test for phylogenetic covariation, more comprehensive representation of Trithemis wing morphology and a wider range of morphometric data-analysis procedures. Contrary to results published previously, statistical comparisons of forewing and hindwing mean shapes with the Trithemis cladogram revealed no statistically significant pattern of phylogenetic covariation. Moreover, landmark-based and image-based geometric morphometric analysis results, as well as embedded image-contrast deep learning analysis results, all demonstrated that both wings exhibit substantial convergent wing-shape similarities among, and differences between, species that inhabit open and forested landscapes and species that hunt over temporary/standing or running water bodies. Geometric morphometric data and data-analysis methods yielded the worst performance in identifying wing shape distinctions between Trithemis habitat guilds and the direct analysis of wing images using an embedded, image-contrast, convolution (deep learning) neural network delivered the best performance. Bootstrap and jackknife tests confirmed that our results are not artifacts of overtrained discriminant systems or the “curse of dimensionality”. In addition to our conclusions pertaining to Trithemis ecomorphology, the discrepancy between the previous investigation’s results and ours appears to reflect decisions made with regard to the manner in which complex morphological structures are sampled and analyzed. Naturally, results and interpretations of patterns in morphometric data pertain only to the data collected, not necessarily to other aspects of the structures from which those data were collected. For samples of morphologically similar taxa, landmark-based sampling strategies may be effective provided a sufficient number of landmark points distributed across all structures of potential interest exist. However, in a large number of instances analysis of full digital images of the structures under consideration may prove to be a more robust and effective sampling strategy, especially when coupled with analysis via machine learning procedures.
Intermolecular Diastereoselective Annulation of Azaarenes into Fused N-heterocycles by Ru(II) Reductive Catalysis
Authors: Zhao He , Wu Yang , Ci Chenggang , Tan Zhenda , Yang Jian , Jiang Huanfeng , Dixneuf Pierre , Zhang Min 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Despite the important advances in azaaryl C−H activation/functionalization, reductive functionalization of ubiquitously distributed but weakly reactive azaarenes remains to date a challenge. Herein, by a strategy incorporating a tandem coupling sequence into the reduction of azaarenes, we present a dearomative annulation of azaarenes into promising fused syn-N-heterocycles by combination with a large variety of aniline derivatives and paraformaldehyde under ruthenium(II) reductive catalysis, proceeding with excellent selectivity, mild conditions, and broad substrate and functional group compatibility. Mechanistic studies reveal that the products are formed via hydride transfer-initiated β-aminomethylation and α-arylation of the pyridyl core in azaarenes, paraformaldehyde serves as both the C1-building block and reductant precursor, and the use of Mg(OMe)2 base plays a critical role in determining the reaction chemo-selectivity by lowering the hydrogen transfer rate. The present work opens a door to further develop valuable reductive functionalization of unsaturated systems by taking profit of formaldehyde-endowed two functions.
Overfishing and Climate Change Elevate Extinction Risk of Endemic Sharks and Rays in the Southwest Indian Ocean Hotspot
Authors: Pollom Riley , Cheok Jessica , Pacoureau Nathan , Gledhill Katie S. , Kyne Peter M. , Ebert David A. , Jabado Rima W. , Herman Katelyn B. , Bennett Rhett H. , Silva Charlene , Fernando Stela , Kuguru Baraka , Leslie Robin , McCord Meaghen E. , Samoilys Melita , Winker Henning , Fennessy Sean , Pollock Caroline M. , Rigby Cassandra L. , Dulvy Nicholas K. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) is a hotspot of endemic and evolutionarily distinct sharks and rays. We summarise the extinction risk of the sharks and rays endemic to coastal, shelf, and slope waters of the SWIO (Namibia to Kenya, including SWIO islands). Thirteen of 70 species (19%) are threatened: one is Critically Endangered, five are Endangered, and seven are Vulnerable. A further seven (10%) are Near Threatened, 33 (47.1%) are Least Concern, and 17 (24.2%) are Data Deficient. While the primary threat is overfishing, there are the first signs that climate change is contributing to elevated extinction risk through habitat reduction and inshore distributional shifts. By backcasting their status, few species were threatened in 1980, but this changed soon after the emergence of targeted shark and ray fisheries. South Africa has the highest national conservation responsibility, followed by Mozambique and Madagascar. Yet, while fisheries management and enforcement have improved in South Africa over recent decades, drastic improvements are urgently needed elsewhere. To avoid extinction and ensure robust populations and future food security, there is an urgent need for the strict protection of Critically Endangered and Endangered species and sustainable management of all species, underpinned by species-level data collection and bycatch reduction.
More Conservative Rehabilitation Strategy within Postoperative 6 Month for All-Inside Reconstruction Compared with Anatomical Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament may be able to Achieve Better Stability: Based on the Study of Graft Maturity
Authors: Lin Rubing , Zhong Qiuwen , Wu Xiao , Cui Lei , Huang Rong , Deng Qianhua , Jiang Changqing , Li Wei 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Individualized rehabilitation based on graft maturity is necessary to optimize patient function and prevent graft re-injury. But there is a lack of studies on graft maturity in the all-inside single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Hypothesis/Purpose: Compared to the difference in graft maturity, functional scores, and stability between all-inside and anatomical single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, it was assumed that the stability of all-inside reconstruction is relatively insufficient, and its graft maturity is worse than the anatomical reconstruction.Study Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial.Methods: Fifty-four patients were recruited in this study and randomly assigned to the all-inside reconstruction group (n = 27) and the anatomical reconstruction group (n = 27) using the same rehabilitation strategy. The Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Lysholm score were recorded at postoperative 3rd, 6th, and 12th month to assess functional recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted to measure the Signal/Noise quotient (SNQ) of the intra-articular graft to observe the maturity. Stability was assessed using GNRB relaxation measuring instrument at the postoperative 12th month.Results: The graft SNQ of the all-inside group was significantly higher than that in the anatomical group during the postoperative 6th month (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in graft SNQ between the two groups at postoperative 3rd and 12th month (p > 0.05). Both groups exhibited the graft’s highest SNQ in the middle region, followed by the proximal region, and the lowest was the distal region. Functional scores improved significantly in both groups and had no statistical difference (p > 0.05). The stability recovered well in both groups during the postoperative 12th month, but the GNRB relaxation was higher in the all-inside group (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between functional scores and graft maturity in the two groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions: All-inside reconstruction graft maturity is inferior to the anatomical reconstruction during postoperative 6th month, which may cause relatively insufficient stability of all-inside reconstruction compared with anatomical reconstruction under the same rehabilitation strategy. A more conservative rehabilitation strategy for all-inside reconstruction around the postoperative 6th month may achieve better stability.
Net Carbon Dioxide Emission from An Eroding Atlantic Blanket Bog
Authors: Artz Rebekka , Coyle Mhairi , Donaldson-Selby Gillian , Morrison Ross 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The net impact of greenhouse gas emissions from degraded peatland environments on national Inventories and subsequent mitigation of such emissions has only been seriously considered within the last decade. Data on greenhouse gas emissions from special cases of peatland degradation, such as eroding peatlands, are particularly scarce. Here, we report the first eddy covariance-based monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from an eroding Atlantic blanket bog. The CO2 budget across the period July 2018 to November 2019 was 147 (+/- 9) g C m-2. For an annual budget that contained proportionally more of the extreme 2018 drought and heat wave, cumulative CO2 emissions were nearly double (191 g C m-2) of that of an annual period without drought (106 g C m-2), suggesting that direct CO2 emissions from eroded peatlands are at risk of increasing with projected changes in temperatures and precipitation due to global climate change. The results of this study are consistent with chamber-based and modelling studies that suggest degraded blanket bogs to be a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere, and provide baseline data against which to assess future peatland restoration efforts in this region.
Post Laparoscopy Pain Reduction Project I (POLYPREP I): Intraperitoneal Normal Saline Instillation—A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Adlan Aizura Syafinaz Ahmad , Azhary Jerilee Mariam Khong , Tarmidzi Hairel Zulhamdi Mohd , Kamarudin Maherah , Lim Raymond Chung Siang , Ng Doris Sin Wen 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal normal saline instillation (INSI) of 15 mL/kg body weight at the end of a gynaecological laparoscopic procedure on postoperative pain. Design: Randomised controlled trial. Setting: Teaching/University Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants: Patients aged 18-55 years, with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification I–II, scheduled for an elective gynaecological laparoscopic procedure for a benign cause.Intervention: The patients were randomly allocated to two groups. In the intervention group, 15 mL/kg body weight of normal saline was instilled intraperitoneally, while the control group received the conventional combination of open laparoscopic trocar valves with gentle abdominal pressure to remove the retained carbon dioxide. Main outcome measures: The primary outcomes were the mean pain score for the shoulder and upper abdominal pain at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postoperatively. Results: A total of 68 women completed the study, including 34 women in each group. There was no difference in the shoulder pain score at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postoperatively. However, a significant improvement in the upper abdominal pain score after 42 h (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34-1.52, p=0.019) and 72 h (95% CI 0.19-0.26, p=0.007) postoperatively were observed. Conclusions: INSI of 15 mL/kg body weight does not lower postoperative shoulder pain compared to no fluid instillation. A modest pain score improvement was observed in the upper abdominal area at 42 h and 72 h after surgery. An INSI of up to 30 mL/kg body weight may be required to eliminate shoulder pain. Care must be taken before administering a higher amount of INSI, considering the potential risk of peritoneal adhesions. Clinical Registration: ISRCTN Identifier: 87898051 (Date: 26 June 2019) https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN87898051