bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel alcohol dehydrogenase in the hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon Hyperthermus butylicus
Authors: Tse Ching , Ma Kesen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHyperthermus butylicus is a hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon that produces 1‐butanol as an end product. A thermostable alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) must be present in H. butylicus to act as the key enzyme responsible for this production; however, the gene that encodes the ADH has not yet been identified. A novel ADH, HbADH2, was purified from a cell‐free extract of H. butylicus, and its characteristics were determined. The gene that encodes HbADH2 was demonstrated to be HBUT_RS04850 and annotated as a hypothetical protein in H. butylicus. HbADH2 was found to be a primary–secondary ADH capable of using a wide range of substrates, including butyraldehyde and butanol. Butyraldehyde had the highest specificity constant, calculated as kcat/Km, with kcat and apparent Km values of 8.00 ± 0.22 s−1 and 0.59 ± 0.07 mM, respectively. The apparent Km values for other substrates, including ethanol, 1‐propanol, 2‐propanol, butanol, acetaldehyde, propanal, and acetone, were 4.36 ± 0.42, 4.69 ± 0.41, 3.74 ± 0.46, 2.44 ± 0.30, 1.27 ± 0.18, 1.55 ± 0.20, and 0.68 ± 0.04 mM, respectively. The optimal pH values for catalyzing aldehyde reduction and alcohol oxidation were 6.0 and 9.0, respectively, while the optimal temperature was higher than 90°C due to the increase in enzymatic activity from 60°C to 90°C. Based on its substrate specificity, enzyme kinetics, and thermostability, HbADH2 may be the ADH that catalyzes the production of 1‐butanol in H. butylicus. The putative conserved motif sites for NAD(P)+ and iron binding were identified by aligning HbADH2 with previously characterized Fe‐containing ADHs.
Cofitness network connectivity determines a fuzzy essential zone in open bacterial pangenome
Authors: Zhang Pan , Zhang Biliang , Ji Yuan‐Yuan , Jiao Jian , Zhang Ziding , Tian Chang‐Fu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMost in silico evolutionary studies commonly assumed that core genes are essential for cellular function, while accessory genes are dispensable, particularly in nutrient‐rich environments. However, this assumption is seldom tested genetically within the pangenome context. In this study, we conducted a robust pangenomic Tn‐seq analysis of fitness genes in a nutrient‐rich medium for Sinorhizobium strains with a canonical open pangenome. To evaluate the robustness of fitness category assignment, Tn‐seq data for three independent mutant libraries per strain were analyzed by three methods, which indicates that the Hidden Markov Model (HMM)‐based method is most robust to variations between mutant libraries and not sensitive to data size, outperforming the Bayesian and Monte Carlo simulation‐based methods. Consequently, the HMM method was used to classify the fitness category. Fitness genes, categorized as essential (ES), advantage (GA), and disadvantage (GD) genes for growth, are enriched in core genes, while nonessential genes (NE) are over‐represented in accessory genes. Accessory ES/GA genes showed a lower fitness effect than core ES/GA genes. Connectivity degrees in the cofitness network decrease in the order of ES, GD, and GA/NE. In addition to accessory genes, 1599 out of 3284 core genes display differential essentiality across test strains. Within the pangenome core, both shared quasi‐essential (ES and GA) and strain‐dependent fitness genes are enriched in similar functional categories. Our analysis demonstrates a considerable fuzzy essential zone determined by cofitness connectivity degrees in Sinorhizobium pangenome and highlights the power of the cofitness network in understanding the genetic basis of ever‐increasing prokaryotic pangenome data.
Phase inverter design using substrate‐integrated coaxial line with wideband performance
Authors: Ho Min‐Hua , Lee Keh‐Yi , Hsu Chung‐I. G. , Chiau Jia‐Ming 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis research introduces an innovative phase inverter (PI) design using a substrate‐integrated coaxial line (SICL). The proposed SICL PI is achieved by bisecting the SICL with two I‐shape slots embedded on the top and bottom broad‐side walls of the SICL. The central signal strip is also bisected, and the divided strips are diverted to the top/bottom walls on the other side of the slots through one or two via‐holes. Thus, phase inversion is obtained by swapping the potentials of the central strip and the top/bottom walls. A transition between the feeding SMA and the SICL is also developed to facilitate measurements. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SICL PI exhibits a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 2.74–4.66 GHz (51.8%) under the criteria of return losses greater than 10 dB, insertion losses less than 0.5 dB, and phase deviation within ±15°.
Dielectric characterization using waveguide method for antenna and radome materials in space applications
Authors: Kiris Orcun , Ozturk Fahri 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper presents accurate, prompt, and cost‐effective relative permittivity and loss tangent measurements of low‐loss dielectrics such as DuPontTM VESPEL® SP‐1 and VictrexTM polyetherketone (PEEK) 450G, which are commonly used materials in space communication antennas. It is essential for an antenna engineer to have the information regarding the electrical properties, that is, dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss tangent, magnetic permeability, and magnetic loss tangent at the frequency of interest. The test method relies on the accurate measurements of the S‐parameters of the sample under test by means of Through‐Reflect‐Line (TRL) calibration using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Nicholson‐Ross‐Weir (NRW) method is employed to get the conversion from S‐parameters to both complex permittivity and permeability values of the samples. The experimental results are verified with the literature data of Teflon and relative permittivity and loss tangent measurements of VESPEL® SP‐1 (, ) and PEEK 450G (, ) are presented for X‐band (8‐10 GHz) frequencies.
A positioning approach to upper extremity sonographic evaluation and intervention
Authors: Schwanz Kersten L. , Senk Alexander M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTotal supported abduction, or TSA, is a position for ultrasound evaluations and guided interventions of the upper extremity. It provides optimal access to the medial arm through the volar wrist and palmar hand for diagnostic evaluations of the median and ulnar nerves as well as procedures including injections for carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, and stenosing tenosynovitis. It enables ease of both ipsilateral and bilateral evaluations/interventions without the need for significant positional changes by the patient or physician. Incorporation of TSA may enhance clinical efficiency by reducing the amount of time, materials, and space required to provide such services.
Risk of peripheral neuropathy in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. A prospective cohort study
Authors: Doneddu Pietro E. , Borroni Riccardo , Ceribelli Angela , Carta Francesca , Sechi Margherita , Moretti Giulia S. , Giordano Andrea , Scheveger Francesco , Moret Federica , Fernandes Marco , Gentile Francesco , Valenti Mario , Luciano Nicoletta , Bianchi Elisa , Costanzo Antonio , De Nittis Pasquale E. , Selmi Carlo , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsLaboratory and clinical data suggest a link between neurologically mediated inflammation and psoriasis, but the risk and features of peripheral neuropathy in psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis remain unknown. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the risk and to describe the features of peripheral neuropathy in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.MethodsOne hundred patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and 100 control subjects were consecutively enrolled. Diagnostic confirmation included electrophysiological examination, skin biopsy, and nerve ultrasound for confirmed polyneuropathy.ResultsNine patients were diagnosed with confirmed polyneuropathy, while none of the control subjects had the condition (relative risk [RR] = 19.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–322.11). Specific relative risks for polyneuropathy were 22.09 (95% CI = 1.17–416.43) in psoriasis patients and 18.75 (95% CI = 1.07–327.62) in psoriatic arthritis patients. The observed polyneuropathy in all nine patients was length‐dependent, symmetrical, and predominantly sensory, with minimal or no disability. Comorbidities and exposure to therapies known to increase the risk of polyneuropathy were more frequent in psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis patients compared to controls (42% vs. 4%, p = .0001). Analyzing data after excluding possible contributory causes, the risk of polyneuropathy in patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis was not significant.DiscussionPsoriasis and psoriatic arthritis appear to be associated with an increased risk of polyneuropathy. This increased risk seems to be linked to the higher prevalence of contributing factors for polyneuropathy, rather than a direct increase in neuropathy risk specifically related to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Analysis of a class of spectral volume methods for linear scalar hyperbolic conservation laws
Authors: Lu Jianfang , Jiang Yan , Shu Chi‐Wang , Zhang Mengping 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this article, we study the spectral volume (SV) methods for scalar hyperbolic conservation laws with a class of subdivision points under the Petrov–Galerkin framework. Due to the strong connection between the DG method and the SV method with the appropriate choice of the subdivision points, it is natural to analyze the SV method in the Galerkin form and derive the analogous theoretical results as in the DG method. This article considers a class of SV methods, whose subdivision points are the zeros of a specific polynomial with a parameter in it. Properties of the piecewise constant functions under this subdivision, including the orthogonality between the trial solution space and test function space, are provided. With the aid of these properties, we are able to derive the energy stability, optimal a priori error estimates of SV methods with arbitrary high order accuracy. We also study the superconvergence of the numerical solution with the correction function technique, and show the order of superconvergence would be different with different choices of the subdivision points. In the numerical experiments, by choosing different parameters in the SV method, the theoretical findings are confirmed by the numerical results.
The journal and the quest for epistemic justice
Authors: Dadze‐Arthur Abena , Mangai Mary S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecognising the growing interconnectivity of academic publishing with larger socio‐political shifts, this article charts the increasing momentum behind the push for greater epistemic diversity in academic journals. Our systematic review of PAD's publications from 1947 to May 2023 in Atlas.ti seeks to illuminate the operational factors steering the discourse. Using a structured approach, which is rooted in six constitutive varieties of epistemic justice, to guide a Foucauldian discourse analysis, the review gauges epistemic inclusivity in academic works. The results highlight the significance of decolonising knowledge, which is undergirded by pillars like hermeneutic and testimonial justice, the epistemic justice of interpretive burden, and metalinguistic awareness. Notably, the emphasis on citational justice emerges in the findings as an essential facet of testimonial justice.
Development of carbon dots‐immobilized fluorescent polylactic acid hydrogel ink toward security authentication
Authors: Khalaf Mai M. , Gouda Mohamed , Hamdalla Taymour A. , Taleb Manal F. Abou , El‐Lateef Hany M. Abd 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA self‐healable hydrogel for advanced authentication applications was successfully developed. In the presence of an aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide as a cheap passivating agent, the hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose diacetate extracted from rice straw yielded nitrogen‐doped carbon dots (NdCD) in a straightforward and ecologically beneficial manner. NdCD achieved a maximum quantum yield of 25.11%. Self‐healing biocomposite inks with different emission properties were created by using different concentrations of NdCD nanoparticles (NPs). In order to create a transparent layer of NdCD@PLA hydrogel, stamps were used to press homogenous films onto paper surfaces. Polylactic acid (PLA) hydrogel was embedded with NPs of NdCD. Self‐healing security hydrogel inks are highly durable. The NdCD@PLA hydrogel is efficiently self‐healable at room temperature. The current NdCD@PLA hydrogel can attach to different surfaces, such as glasses, plastics, and papers. The self‐healable nanobiocomposite was photostable when exposed to UV light. Under UV light, NdCD‐containing nanobiocomposite inks have a bluish color, as proved by both colorimetric parameters and fluorescence spectra. The morphological properties of NdCD were studied by transmission electron microscopy to suggest a particle diameter of 10–15 nm. The morphology of the fluorescent prints was analyzed using a number of different analytical methods. The hydrogel rheology and the mechanical performance of printed papers were tested. The printed films showed excitation and fluorescence bands at 401 and 488 nm, respectively. The present smart ink shows significant promise as a potential industrial production technique to simply produce anti‐counterfeiting prints.Highlights
Rice straws were used to prepare nitrogen‐doped carbon dots with a quantum yield of 25.11%.
Self‐healable polylactic acid hydrogel was immobilized with N‐doped carbon dots (10–15 nm).
Transparent printed films shifted in color to blue (488 nm) when excited at 401 nm.
Ultraviolet‐stimulated photochromic authentication prints were prepared.
Printed paper demonstrated non‐cytotoxicity, high photostability, and durability.
Effects of exercise interventions on quality of life in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Bing , Zhang Peizhen , Zhao Haojie , Zhang Xiaojie , Gao Hongyue , Dong Jiating , Zeng Liqing , Pi Peng , Pei Jiayi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare and rank the effectiveness of four primary categories of exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance, mind‐body, and combined exercise [CE]) in improving the Quality of life (QoL) of women with breast cancer in a network meta‐analysis (NMA).MethodsArticles published in English and indexed in the PubMed (MEDLINE), EBSCO, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL Plus databases were identified from inception to 12 October 2023. Studies that met the eligibility criteria were assessed for risk of bias. A frequentist NMA was conducted to appraise the efficacy of different exercise types.ResultsThis study included 56 studies with 3904 participants. Aerobic, mind‐body, and combined exercises effectively improved QoL compared to controls. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicated that CE best improved patients' QoL (SUCRA = 96.7%). Analysis of the secondary outcomes suggests that exercise reduced patients' depression (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.70 to −0.06, p < 0.001; I2 = 79%) and anxiety (SMD = −0.50, 95% CI = −0.69 to −0.31, p < 0.001; I2 = 27.4%) but did not affect self‐esteem.ConclusionAll exercise types but resistance were effective in improving the QoL of women with breast cancer, CE (the combination of aerobic and resistance exercise) had the highest likelihood of being optimal for improving QoL.
Oncologists' psychological flourishing: A driving force for positive attitudes at work
Authors: Bossard Marie , Lejeune Julien , Coillot Hélène , Colombat Philippe , Fouquereau Evelyne 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveOncologists' psychological health is a major challenge due to the consequential concerning the quality of the care they provide. However, only critical states of their health have been really examined by scientists. This study sought to plug this gap by investigating the mediating role of psychological flourishing in the relationship between the perception of the professional social context (i.e., perceived workplace isolation and organizational support) and positive attitudes at work among oncologists (i.e., work engagement, task adjustment and empathy).MethodsThe study was a cross‐sectional, including 541 French oncologists. Participants completed a self‐report questionnaire. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to test the hypotheses.ResultsThe analysis revealed that workplace isolation and organizational support perceptions were related to oncologists' work engagement, task adjustment and empathy. Additionally, psychological flourishing acted as a partial mediator between these perceptions of professional social context and oncologists' work‐related attitudes.ConclusionsThis research underlined the potential of enhancing the psychological flourishing of oncologists by improving organizational support and mitigating their sense of isolation, and in turn, to enhance some dimensions of their positive attitudes at work.
Preclinical evaluation of ELP‐004 in mice
Authors: McCall Jamie L. , Geldenhuys Werner J. , Robinson Lisa J. , Witt Michelle R. , Gannett Peter M. , Söderberg Björn C. G. , Blair Harry C. , Soboloff Jonathan , Barnett John B. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study provides a detailed understanding of the preclinical pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ELP‐004, an osteoclast inhibitor in development for the treatment of bone erosion. Current treatments for arthritis, including biological disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, are not well‐tolerated in a substantial subset of arthritis patients and are expensive; therefore, new treatments are needed. Pharmacokinetic parameters of ELP‐004 were tested with intravenous, oral, and subcutaneous administration and found to be rapidly absorbed and distributed. We found that ELP‐004 was non‐mutagenic, did not induce chromosome aberrations, non‐cardiotoxic, and had minimal off‐target effects. Using in vitro hepatic systems, we found that ELP‐004 is primarily metabolized by CYP1A2 and CYP2B6 and predicted metabolic pathways were identified. Finally, we show that ELP‐004 inhibits osteoclast differentiation without suppressing overall T‐cell function. These preclinical data will inform future development of an oral compound as well as in vivo efficacy studies in mice.
Oviposition patterns of primary lepidopteran defoliators in soybean and the impact on structured refuge recommendations
Authors: Gonçalves Jaciara , Calixto Eduardo Soares , de Freitas Bueno Adeney , Dourado Patrick Marques , Paula‐Moraes Silvana V. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDTransgenic Bt technology in soybean, with plants expressing Cry1Ac, has been adopted as an insect pest management tool. It was first adopted in large areas of South America and Asia in 2013. The risk of resistance in target pests to this technology demands insect resistance management (IRM) programs. In Brazil, a structured refuge (area of non‐Bt soybean) planted adjacent to the Bt soybean crop has been an important IRM recommendation, particularly for the primary lepidopteran defoliators Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) and Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The overall goal of this study was to validate IRM recommendations to Bt soybean. The objectives were to document the impact of soybean phenology, cultivar choice and non‐Bt soybean defoliation on moth oviposition. In addition, a mark‐release‐recapture study estimated the dispersal capacity of these species. Five field experiments per species were performed for 3 years.RESULTSOur results revealed an increase in A. gemmatalis and C. includens oviposition, respectively, on Bt plants as a consequence of the difference in plant growth stage at the time of oviposition. Defoliation of non‐Bt plants significantly increased the oviposition preference of both moth species for Bt plants. The mark‐release‐recapture experiment indicated an average dispersal distance of ~300 m from the release point for A. gemmatalis, with maximum recapture at 1000 m.CONCLUSIONOverall, our findings emphasize the importance of planting synchronization of Bt soybean and the structured refuge. In addition, when operational aspects in large soybean areas challenge this recommendation, the priority should be for planting the refuge area first. This approach will minimize the impact of selective oviposition of A. gemmatalis and C. includens. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Trends in Second‐Trimester Safe Abortion Service Utilization During the Two Phases of COVID‐19 Pandemic in an Ethiopian Setting: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Sium Abraham Fessehaye , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundProviding abortion services during pandemics without interruption is essential. The objective of the study was to compare the utilization of second‐trimester safe abortion care services between early pandemic and peak pandemic months.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective comparative study of second‐trimester safe abortion service provision during the peak of COVID‐19 pandemic in Ethiopia (April 2021) versus during that of early pandemic (April 2020). Data were collected using data extraction form from MICHU clinic HMIS registry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi‐squared test and simple descriptive statistics were applied as appropriate. A p‐value of less than 0.05 was used to describe the significance of the results.ResultsThere were significantly more second‐trimester abortions performed during the peak pandemic month as compared to early pandemic month (32.6% vs. 67.4%, respectively). Nearly half of the abortions were done for maternal health problems (47.8%, 44/92), and of which over 80% of them used medical methods for abortion (83.7%, 77/92). There was only one case of dilation and evacuation (D&E) during the early pandemic, compared to 14 D&E procedures during the pandemic peak.ConclusionWe found a significant increment in the second‐trimester abortion service coverage during the peak of COVID‐19 pandemic. The measures we took during the early pandemic: increasing public awareness about continuation of abortion care services during the pandemic, change in the attitude of care‐providers, and early sticking to national guidelines on essential care during COVID‐19 should be passed on as important lessons for future pandemics.
On the design of a macro‐micro parallel manipulator for cochlear microrobot operations
Authors: Gezgin Erkin , Yaşar Alp E. , Uslu Tuğrul , Koçak Mertcan , Güzin Didem , Özbek Seda , Türkmen Gökmen A. , Karayaman Goncagül , Alsanğur Rahime , Bıdıklı Barış , Can Fatih C. , Çetin Levent 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe method of stem cell transfer to narrow cochlear canals in vivo to generate hair cells is still an unclear operation. Thus, the development of any possible method that will ensure the usage of medical microrobots in small cochlear workspaces is a challenging procedure.MethodsThe current study tries to introduce a macro‐micro manipulator system composed of a 6‐DoF industrial serial manipulator as a macro manipulator and a proposed 5‐DoF parallel manipulator with dual end effectors as a micro manipulator carrying permanent magnets for tetherless microrobot actuation inside the cochlea.ResultsThroughout the study, structural synthesis and kinematic analysis of the proposed micro manipulator were introduced. A prototype of the manipulator was manufactured and its hardware verification procedures were carried out using motion capture cameras and surgical navigation registration methodologies.ConclusionsFollowing motion training, the assembled macro‐micro manipulator was successfully utilised to actuate a microrobot placed inside a manufactured cochlea mockup model.