bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International trade and income convergence: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Damásio Sarah , Afonso Óscar , Neves Pedro Cunha , Sochirca Elena 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe develop a meta‐analysis of the empirical literature that estimates the impact of international trade on income convergence between countries. We find that, on average, trade tends to generate inter‐country income convergence. Especially in more recent years, we identified a preference for publishing and citing studies that report a stronger effect of trade on convergence. We also find that the effect of trade on income convergence is sensitive to the characteristics of the countries included in the sample, data structure, and estimation techniques.
The use of serum paraoxonase‐1 to assess inflammation in horses with colitis
Authors: Winther Malou F. , Johnsson Josefine , Madsen Pernille K. , Pihl Tina H. , Paltrinieri Saverio , Cerón José J. , Scavone Donatella , Pardo‐Marin Luis , Jacobsen Stine 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundParaoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) has been suggested as a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress in horses and could potentially be used for prognostication in horses with colitis.ObjectivesAssessment of PON‐1 in horses with colitis and comparison of two methods.MethodsSerum PON‐1 was measured by two methods (paraoxon and p‐nitrophenyl acetate) in 161 horses with colitis and 57 controls. Follow‐up samples obtained during hospitalization were available from 106 horses with colitis. The two methods were compared.ResultsSerum PON‐1 was significantly lower in horses with colitis than in healthy horses (P < .0001 for both methods) as well as in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (P = .0141 [paraoxon‐based method] and P < .0001 [p‐nitrophenyl acetate‐based method]), but with marked overlap between groups. PON‐1 activity did not change parallel to a change in inflammatory status in response to treatment when assessed at admission and in up to seven follow‐up samples. Admission PON‐1 activity could not reliably classify horses as survivors or nonsurvivors, with sensitivity and specificity ranging between 53.1% and 72.9%. Results from the two methods were comparable.ConclusionsBoth methods reliably measured serum PON‐1 activity. Significant differences in PON‐1 activity were found between healthy horses and horses with colitis and between survivors and nonsurvivors. However, PON‐1 activity varied considerably within groups. Both the proposed reference intervals as well as alternative cutoff values resulted in suboptimal diagnostic and prognostic performance, and the use of serum PON‐1 in horses with colitis thus seems to add little to existing diagnostic and prognostic markers.
Retrospective evaluation of the short‐term response of human intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in the management of canine immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (2010–2015): 27 cases
Authors: Zoia Andrea , Busato Francesca , Drigo Michele 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the short‐term response, early prognostic markers, and survival after treatment of canine immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) with human intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) and methylprednisolone.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingsPrivate referral veterinary medical center.AnimalsTwenty‐seven client‐owned dogs with primary or secondary ITP.InterventionsAll dogs received 2 mg/kg IV methylprednisolone once daily and a single infusion of 5% hIVIG administered over 6–12 hours.Measurements and Main ResultsA substantial increase in platelet count within 60 ± 12 hours post‐hIVIG infusion (T60) was observed in 19 of the 27 (70%) dogs with ITP (responders). Thirty‐four variables, including serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G concentration 24 ± 12 hours post‐hIVIG infusion (T24IgG) and increase in serum IgG concentration 24 ± 12 hours post‐hIVIG infusion (T24ΔIgG), were compared between responders and nonresponders at 5 different time points. Mortality rates of responders and nonresponders were evaluated 14 days post‐hIVIG infusion. Serum T24IgG and serum T24ΔIgG were both significantly higher at T60 in responders. All responders were alive 14 days post‐hIVIG infusion, and their mortality rate was significantly lower compared with nonresponders.ConclusionsResponder dogs had an excellent 14‐day survival rate. Serum T24IgG and serum T24ΔIgG concentrations accurately predicted response status at 60 hours post‐hIVIG infusion.
Sociolinguistic variation in Colloquial Singapore English sia
Authors: Hafiz Mohamed , Hiramoto Mie , Leimgruber Jakob R. E. , Gonzales Wilkinson Daniel Wong , Lim Jun Jie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractColloquial Singapore English (CSE), also known as ‘Singlish’, features a wide range of sentence‐final particles (SFP) influenced by local languages such as Hokkien, Cantonese, Mandarin and Malay. This study focuses on the SFP sia, a relatively new and less‐explored particle with Malay roots. We examine sia and its variants (sia, sial, siak and siol) using data from the Corpus of Singapore English Messages, a 6.9‐million‐word text‐message corpus from 2016 to 2022. While previous research has associated sia and its variants with strong illocutionary contexts, particularly among young male Singaporeans due to its vulgar and masculine connotations, our data indicate that sia is now used more broadly among CSE‐speaking youth. It is employed in both strong and weak illocutionary contexts, suggesting a shift away from its negative/vulgar associations. Sia and its variants are emerging as general phatic markers reflecting the identity of CSE‐speaking youth.
Development of 1400 °C (2552 °F) Class Ceramic Matrix Composite Turbine Shroud and Demonstration Test With JAXA F7 Aircraft Engine
Authors: Watanabe Fumiaki , Yamanaka Shohei , Noguchi Toshihito , Hirano Hiroto , Sato Hayao , Makida Mitsumasa , Hojo Masahiro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The authors developed 1400 °C (2552 °F) class ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material system, which consists of silicon carbide (SiC) fibers and SiC matrix and ytterbium silicate base matrix, aiming for higher temperature capability. Then they designed and manufactured high pressure turbine (HPT) shrouds for aircraft engines using that 1400 °C class material system, and they conducted strength tests and thermal cycle tests for turbine shroud components. After that, they conducted engine tests for the CMC turbine shrouds' demonstration in the actual engine environment jointly with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2021. The engine test was conducted for over 75 h including over 35 h hot time. After that, the test teardown inspection was conducted. No spallation of environmental barrier coating (EBC), no recession, and no wear on CMC turbine shrouds were found. As the result of the microstructure observation for cut faces of CMC turbine shrouds, no oxidation in SiC fibers, no chemical reaction in matrix, and no microcrack in matrix were found, but, some oxidation in fiber interface coating and microcrack in EBC were found. Bending strength tests with specimens cut out from CMC turbine shrouds were conducted in order to survey the degradation of material. As the result of bending test, the strength of the specimens cut out from engine-tested shrouds were equivalent to the strength of the specimens cut out from unused shrouds. The CMC turbine shrouds after engine test were determined to be serviceable; therefore, the developed 1400 °C class CMC shrouds were proven to be sound in an actual engine environment.
Modeling and Admittance Control of a Piezoactuated Needle Insertion Device for Safe Puncture of Spinal Membranes
Authors: Duan Yuzhou , Ling Jie , Zhu Yuchuan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Robotic-assisted lumbar puncture (LP) has been explored in recent years. The most important step in this procedure is accurately and safely puncturing the spinal membrane (dura mater) based on an automatic needle insertion device (NID). Piezoactuated NID has shown its advantages with high precision and compact structure. Soft control of the NID is important for insertion safety; however, for stick-slip piezoactuated NID, there are few studies due to the complex mechanism of stick-slip motion. Here, a modeling and admittance control method for a proposed stick-slip piezoactuated NID is proposed for safe puncture of the spinal membrane. To analytically model the NID, the compliant mechanism (CM) in the NID is reduced to a second-order system. The stick-slip friction and the spinal membrane are modeled based on the LuGre model and the Hunt–Crossley model, respectively. Based on these models, an admittance controller (AC) for the proposed NID is established to realize the precise control of the position and the safety protection against puncture errors. Simulations and preliminary experiments based on a prototype of the NID and a phantom of the spinal membrane were carried out to test the proposed modeling and control method. Results show that the proposed NID with AC has a maximum insertion error of 0.62 mm and the insertion depth decays by 80% when an unexpected force is applied. Therefore, the proposed model and control method have the potential to be used in real LP procedures by further development.
Liquid Cooling of Fuel Cell Powered Aircraft: The Effect of Coolants on Thermal Management
Authors: Frey Adam C. , Bosak David , Stonham Joseph , Sangan Carl M. , Pountney Oliver J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Electric propulsors powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) offer a net zero solution to aircraft propulsion. Heat generated by the PEMFCs can be transferred to atmospheric air via a liquid cooling system; however, the cooling system results in parasitic power and adds mass to the propulsion system, thereby affecting system specific power. The design of the cooling system is sensitive to the choice of liquid coolant and so informed coolant selection is required if associated parasitic power and mass are to be minimized. Two approaches to selection of coolants for PEMFC-powered aircraft are presented in this paper for operating temperatures in the range 80–200 °C (this covers low, intermediate, and high temperature PEMFCs). The first approach uses a figure of merit (FoM) alongside minimum and maximum operating temperature requirements. The FoM supports the selection of coolants that minimize pumping power and mass while maximizing heat transfer rate. The second approach uses a cooling system model to select “Pareto efficient” coolants. A hybrid-electric aircraft using a PEMFC stack is used as a representative case study for the two approaches. Hydrocarbon-based coolants are shown to be favorable for the case study considered here (aromatics for PEMFCs operating at &lt;130 °C and aliphatics for PEMFCs operating at &gt;130 °C). As the PEMFC operating temperature increases, the parasitic power and mass of the Thermal Management System (TMS) decreases. Operating at elevated temperatures is therefore beneficial for liquid cooled PEMFC-powered aircraft. Nevertheless, there are diminishing performance gains at higher operating temperatures.
Comparative Analysis of Total Pressure Measurement Techniques in Rotating Detonation Combustors
Authors: Wei Hongyi , Kayser Tim , Bach Eric , Paschereit Christian Oliver , Bohon Myles D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Current total pressure measurement techniques in rotating detonation combustors (RDCs) are based on different assumptions and therefore show different applicability for specific RDC operating conditions, and few studies have directly compared these techniques. Therefore, this study comprehensively tested three total pressure measurement techniques: the direct Kiel probe method, the Mach-corrected capillary tube averaged pressure (CTAP) method, and the equivalent available pressure (EAP) method under different RDC geometries and mass flow rates, and compared them with their corresponding uncertainties considered. The results show that for all tests in this study, the EAP method shows the largest uncertainty range up to 24%, which is mainly contributed by the load cell calibration process, while the direct Kiel probe method has the lowest uncertainty range, which is consistently below 7%. These uncertainties were incorporated into the comparison between the three techniques via Gaussian process regression, showing that the direct Kiel probe method and the Mach-corrected CTAP method can present EAP-like total pressure. In particular, the total pressure of the single wave with counter-rotating components (SWCC) and L modes measured by the three techniques is very comparable. This work shows that the comparability of total pressure techniques depends on the specific RDC environment, and provides the possibility to evaluate the RDC performance with the simplest implementation.
A picomolar inhibitor of the
Plasmodium falciparum
IPP pathway
Authors: Kabeche Stephanie , Braukmann Thomas , Doenier Jon , Meister Thomas , Yeh Ellen 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

We identified MMV026468 as a picomolar inhibitor of blood-stage
Plasmodium falciparum
. Phenotyping assays, including isopentenyl diphosphate rescue of parasite growth inhibition, demonstrated that it targets MEP isoprenoid precursor biosynthesis. MMV026468-treated parasites showed an overall decrease in MEP pathway intermediates, which could result from inhibition of the first MEP enzyme DXS or steps prior to DXS such as regulation of the MEP pathway. Selection of MMV026468-resistant parasites lacking DXS mutations suggested that other targets are possible. The identification of MMV026468 could lead to a new class of antimalarial isoprenoid inhibitors.
Flagellar stator genes control a trophic shift from obligate to facultative predation and biofilm formation in a bacterial predator
Authors: Mookherjee Abhirup , Mitra Mohor , Sason Gal , Jose Polpass Arul , Martinenko Maria , Pietrokovski Shmuel , Jurkevitch Edouard 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

The bacterial predator
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
is considered to be obligatorily prey (host)-dependent (H-D), and thus unable to form biofilms. However, spontaneous host-independent (H-I) variants grow axenically and can form robust biofilms. A screen of 350 H-I mutants revealed that single mutations in stator genes
fliL
or
motA
were sufficient to generate flagellar motility-defective H-I strains able to adhere to surfaces but unable to develop biofilms. The variants showed large transcriptional shifts in genes related to flagella, prey-invasion, and cyclic-di-GMP (CdG), as well as large changes in CdG cellular concentration relative to the H-D parent. The introduction of the parental
fliL
allele resulted in a full reversion to the H-D phenotype, but we propose that specific interactions between stator proteins prevented functional complementation by
fliL
paralogs. In contrast, specific mutations in a pilus-associated protein (Bd0108) mutant background were necessary for biofilm formation, including secretion of extracellular DNA (eDNA), proteins, and polysaccharides matrix components. Remarkably,
fliL
disruption strongly reduced biofilm development. All H-I variants grew similarly without prey, showed a strain-specific reduction in predatory ability in prey suspensions, but maintained similar high efficiency in prey biofilms. Population-wide allele sequencing suggested additional routes to host independence. Thus, stator and invasion pole-dependent signaling control the H-D and the H-I biofilm-forming phenotypes, with single mutations overriding prey requirements, and enabling shifts from obligate to facultative predation, with potential consequences on community dynamics. Our findings on the facility and variety of changes leading to facultative predation also challenge the concept of
Bdellovibrio
and like organisms being obligate predators.

IMPORTANCE

The ability of bacteria to form biofilms is a central research theme in biology, medicine, and the environment. We show that cultures of the obligate (host-dependent) “solitary” predatory bacterium
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
, which cannot replicate without prey, can use various genetic routes to spontaneously yield host-independent (H-I) variants that grow axenically (as a single species, in the absence of prey) and exhibit various surface attachment phenotypes, including biofilm formation. These routes include single mutations in flagellar stator genes that affect biofilm formation, provoke motor instability and large motility defects, and disrupt cyclic-di-GMP intracellular signaling. H-I strains also exhibit reduced predatory efficiency in suspension but high efficiency in prey biofilms. These changes override the requirements for prey, enabling a shift from obligate to facultative predation, with potential consequences on community dynamics.
Exploiting the Affimer platform against influenza A virus
Authors: Debski-Antoniak Oliver , Flynn Alex , Klebl David P. , Rojas Rechy Moisés H. , Tiede Christian , Wilson Ian A. , Muench Stephen P. , Tomlinson Darren , Fontana Juan 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Influenza A virus (IAV) is well known for its pandemic potential. While current surveillance and vaccination strategies are highly effective, therapeutic approaches are often short-lived due to the high mutation rates of IAV. Recently, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, both against current strains and future IAV pandemics. In addition to mAbs, several antibody-like alternatives exist, which aim to improve upon mAbs. Among these, Affimers stand out for their short development time, high expression levels in
Escherichia coli
, and animal-free production. In this study, we utilized the Affimer platform to isolate and produce specific and potent inhibitors of IAV. Using a monomeric version of the IAV trimeric hemagglutinin (HA) fusion protein, we isolated 12 Affimers that inhibit IAV infection
in vitro
. Two of these Affimers were characterized in detail and exhibited nanomolar-binding affinities to the target H3 HA protein, specifically binding to the HA1 head domain. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), employing a novel spray approach to prepare cryo-grids, allowed us to image HA-Affimer complexes. Combined with functional assays, we determined that these Affimers inhibit IAV by blocking the interaction of HA with the host-cell receptor, sialic acid. Furthermore, these Affimers inhibited IAV strains closely related to the one used for their isolation. Overall, our results support the use of Affimers as a viable alternative to existing targeted therapies for IAV and highlight their potential as diagnostic reagents.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza A virus is one of the few viruses that can cause devastating pandemics. Due to the high mutation rates of this virus, annual vaccination is required, and antivirals are short-lived. Monoclonal antibodies present a promising approach to tackle influenza virus infections but are associated with some limitations. To improve on this strategy, we explored the Affimer platform, which are antibody-like proteins made in bacteria. By performing phage-display against a monomeric version of influenza virus fusion protein, an established viral target, we were able to isolate Affimers that inhibit influenza virus infection
in vitro
. We characterized the mechanism of inhibition of the Affimers by using assays targeting different stages of the viral replication cycle. We additionally characterized HA-Affimer complex structure, using a novel approach to prepare samples for cryo-electron microscopy. Overall, these results show that Affimers are a promising tool against influenza virus infection.
Detection and genomic characterization of an avian influenza virus A/mute swan/Mangystau/1-S24R-2/2024 (H5N1; clade 2.3.4.4b) strain isolated from the lung of a dead swan in Kazakhstan
Authors: Tabynov Kairat , Strochkov Vitaliy , Sandybayev Nurlan , Karibayev Talgat , Berdikulov Maxat , Yelchibayeva Leila , Zharmambet Kuantay , Kuanyshbek Aidana , Zhumadilova Zauresh , Tabynov Kaissar 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

The influenza virus strain A/mute swan/Mangystau/1-S24R-2/2024 (H5N1; clade 2.3.4.4b) was isolated in embryonated chicken eggs from the lung of a dead swan found around Lake Karakol (Kazakhstan) during a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in 2024. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic profile of the isolated strain.
Metagenome-Assembled Genome of “
Candidatus
Aramenus sp. CH1” from the Chichon volcano, Mexico
Authors: Marín-Paredes Roberto , Peña-Ocaña Betsy A. , Martínez-Romero Esperanza , Gutiérrez-Sarmiento Wilbert , Ruíz-Valdiviezo Víctor , Jasso-Chávez Ricardo , Servín-Garcidueñas Luis E. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

The Chichon volcano contains several thermal manifestations including an acidic crater lake. Here we report a metagenome-assembled genome of “
Candidatus
Aramenus sp. CH1,” a
Sulfolobales
archaeon inhabiting the crater lake from the Chichon volcano. In this study, we generated a novel
Aramenus
genome sequence from a thermal area in Southern Mexico.
What’s old is new: leveraging existing antimicrobial susceptibility test methods for rapid results in patients with bloodstream infections
Authors: Prinzi Andrea M. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

The use of rapid disk diffusion or modified automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) system approaches demonstrates excellent performance for gram-negative organisms directly from blood cultures. In a recent study, S. Khan, A. Das, A. Mishra, A. Vidyarthi, et al. (Microbiol Spectr 12:e03081-23, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03081-23
) compared the performance of three direct-from-blood AST methods against standard of care disk diffusion and automated AST. The results demonstrated high categorical agreements and low error rates across three protocols. The study suggests that locally validated direct-from-blood AST protocols offer reliable and fast results, particularly for resource-limited settings. However, local context and workflows should be considered prior to implementing rapid AST protocols, and more research is needed on the performance of rapid AST protocols for gram-positive organisms.
Perioperative application of chatbots: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Shih-Jung , Sun Chin-Yu , Chen Dan-Ni , Kang Yi-No , Lai Nai Ming , Chen Kee-Hsin , Chen Chiehfeng 
Published: July 2024

Background and objectivesPatient–clinician communication and shared decision-making face challenges in the perioperative period. Chatbots have emerged as valuable support tools in perioperative care. A simultaneous and complete comparison of overall benefits and harm of chatbot application is conducted.MaterialsMEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies published before May 2023 on the benefits and harm of chatbots used in the perioperative period. The major outcomes assessed were patient satisfaction and knowledge acquisition. Untransformed proportion (PR) with a 95% CI was used for the analysis of continuous data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool version 2 and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies.ResultsEight trials comprising 1073 adults from four countries were included. Most interventions (n = 5, 62.5%) targeted perioperative care in orthopaedics. Most interventions use rule-based chatbots (n = 7, 87.5%). This meta-analysis found that the majority of the participants were satisfied with the use of chatbots (mean proportion=0.73; 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.85), and agreed that they gained knowledge in their perioperative period (mean proportion=0.80; 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.87).ConclusionThis review demonstrates that perioperative chatbots are well received by the majority of patients with no reports of harm to-date. Chatbots may be considered as an aid in perioperative communication between patients and clinicians and shared decision-making. These findings may be used to guide the healthcare providers, policymakers and researchers for enhancing perioperative care.