bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigations on Aeroelastic Stability of Combined Plunge-Pitch Mode Shapes in a Linear Compressor Cascade
Authors: Gambel Julian , Peitsch Dieter , Schneider Sabine 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The effect of mode shape and reduced frequency on the flutter stability of a linear low-speed compressor cascade was investigated experimentally, employing the aerodynamic influence coefficient (AIC) approach. This paper describes in detail the methodology, experimental setup, and measurement techniques. The paper presents experimentally determined influence coefficients, and discusses the findings with regard to the aeroelastic design parameter “plunge-to-twist incidence ratio” (PTIR), which combines reduced frequency and torsion axis setback in an attempt a design variable reduction. The influence of the vibrating blade on itself was always stabilizing, while other blades, mainly the first pressure side neighbor, vibrating at forward-traveling, low nodal diameter inter-blade phase angles (IBPAs), can destabilize the reference blade. As PTIR is increased, the phase of the complex modal force coefficients (AICs) of all blades is decreased, increasing the stabilizing effect of the vibrating blade on itself and overall cascade stability. Within the considered parameter range, the impact of reduced frequency is eliminated to a large extent if the incidence ratio is kept constant, requiring the torsion axis setback to be adjusted accordingly. The findings show that the plunge-to-twist incidence ratio is a meaningful aeroelastic design parameter that can explain the global effect of mode shape on flutter stability and should be considered early in the aeromechanical blade design process to ensure flutter-free blading.
A New Method for Estimating Oil Well Production Rates Based on Enthalpy Balance Utilizing Temperature Data
Authors: Mirhaseli Igder A. , Mahdiyar H. , Vakili-Nezhaad G. Reza 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The fundamental objective of this study is to utilize a temperature dataset to achieve accurate rate estimation. This study introduces a graphical method, incorporating suitable assumptions, for predicting flowrates in single-phase vertical oil flow. The method takes into consideration the fouling factor and addresses the steady-state flow of heat in the wellbore, while also accounting for the transient heat conduction in the formation. To evaluate and validate the proposed model, two field cases are examined, and associated uncertainties are discussed. The model's predictions are compared with those obtained from Hassan and Kabir's approach, as well as actual separator flowrate data. The comparisons reveal that the model exhibits a high level of accuracy within its specified range of application. Statistical analyses indicate that most of the models perform comparably, although the suggested graphical model stands out for its higher accuracy and user-friendly nature. The performance of uncertainty is found to be more reliant on the accuracy of data measurement rather than the features of the model itself.
An exopolysaccharide pathway from a freshwater
Sphingomonas
isolate
Authors: Goetsch Alexandra G. , Ufearo Daniel , Keiser Griffin , Heiss Christian , Azadi Parastoo , Hershey David M. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Bacteria embellish their cell envelopes with a variety of specialized polysaccharides. Biosynthesis pathways for these glycans are complex, and final products vary greatly in their chemical structures, physical properties, and biological activities. This tremendous diversity comes from the ability to arrange complex pools of monosaccharide building blocks into polymers with many possible linkage configurations. Due to the complex chemistry of bacterial glycans, very few biosynthetic pathways have been defined in detail. As part of an initiative to characterize novel polysaccharide biosynthesis enzymes, we isolated a bacterium from Lake Michigan called
Sphingomonas
sp. LM7 that is proficient in exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. We identified genes that contribute to EPS biosynthesis in LM7 by screening a transposon mutant library for colonies displaying altered colony morphology. A gene cluster was identified that appears to encode a complete
wzy/wzx-
dependent polysaccharide assembly pathway. Deleting individual genes in this cluster caused a non-mucoid phenotype and a corresponding loss of EPS secretion, confirming the role of this gene cluster in polysaccharide production. We extracted EPS from LM7 cultures and determined that it contains a linear chain of 3- and 4-linked glucose, galactose, and glucuronic acid residues. Finally, we show that the EPS pathway in
Sphingomonas
sp. LM7 diverges from that of sphingan-family EPSs and adhesive polysaccharides such as the holdfast that are present in other
Alphaproteobacteria
. Our approach of characterizing complete biosynthetic pathways holds promise for engineering polysaccharides with valuable properties.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria produce complex polysaccharides that serve a range of biological functions. These polymers often have properties that make them attractive for industrial applications, but they remain woefully underutilized. In this work, we studied a novel polysaccharide called promonan that is produced by
Sphingomonas
sp. LM7, a bacterium we isolated from Lake Michigan. We extracted promonan from LM7 cultures and identified which sugars are present in the polymer. We also identified the genes responsible for polysaccharide production. Comparing the promonan genes to those of other bacteria showed that promonan is distinct from previously characterized polysaccharides. We conclude by discussing how the promonan pathway could be used to produce new polysaccharides through genetic engineering.
Improved efficiency using sequential automated immunoassays for syphilis screening in blood donors
Authors: Cheng Anthea , Das Anindita , Styles Claire E. , Naing Zin , Rawlinson William D. , Gosbell Iain B. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Using sequential immunoassays for the screening of blood donors is well described for viral serology testing but not for the screening of syphilis. In this study, we report the evaluation results and 2-year sequential testing data using two highly sensitive automated serology assays, the Alinity s Syphilis chemiluminescent immunoassay for screening, with all repeatedly reactive samples then tested on the Elecsys Syphilis electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. We screened 1,767,782 blood donor samples between 7 July 2021 and 6 July 2023 and found the Alinity false-positive rate to be low at 0.08% (1,456/1,767,782). The common false-positive rate between the two assays was also low (3.83%, 58/1,514). Concordantly reactive samples were further tested using a
Treponema pallidum
particle agglutination test, a rapid plasma reagin test, and a fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test. There were 262/1,376 concordantly reactive Alinity and Elecsys blood donor samples with reactivity on one or more of the confirmatory tests. A total of 26/1,376 donors had a current syphilis infection, 152/1,376 reported a past history of syphilis and had been treated, and 84/1,376 did not report a past history of syphilis. We suggest that future studies could explore the use of sequential immunoassays to aid in the serodiagnosis for syphilis.

IMPORTANCE

The serodiagnosis for syphilis usually follows two methodologies—a “traditional” algorithm using a non-treponemal test followed by confirmation using a treponemal test, or a “reverse” algorithm using a treponemal test followed by a non-treponemal test. There are limited reports in the literature of using a modified reverse algorithm (treponemal test followed by a second treponemal test), and to the best of knowledge, there are currently no published articles using two highly sensitive automated immunoassays to aid the serodiagnosis of syphilis. In addition, the
Treponema pallidum
particle agglutination (TPPA) assay is commonly used as a confirmatory test for the diagnosis of syphilis. With the withdrawal of the TPPA assay from Australia and presumably from the global market also, alternative testing algorithms are now required. This study provides proof of concept for using sequential immunoassays in the diagnosis of syphilis.
Identification of distinct genotypes in circulating RSV A strains based on variants in the virus replication-associated genes
Authors: Musa Abdulafiz O. , Faber Sydney R. , Forrest Kaitlyn , Smith Kenneth P. , Sengupta Shaon , López Carolina B. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infection that often leads to hospitalization of infected younger children and older adults. RSV is classified into two strains, A and B, each with several subgroups or genotypes. One issue with the definition of these subgroups is the lack of a unified method of identification or genotyping. We propose that genotyping strategies based on the genes coding for replication-associated proteins could provide critical information on the replication capacity of the distinct subgroups, while clearly distinguishing genotypes. Here, we analyzed the virus replication-associated genes N, P, M2, and L from
de novo
assembled RSV A sequences obtained from 31 newly sequenced samples from hospitalized patients in Philadelphia and 78 additional publicly available sequences from different geographic locations within the United States. In-depth analysis and annotation of variants in the replication-associated proteins identified the polymerase protein L as a robust target for genotyping RSV subgroups. Importantly, our analysis revealed non-synonymous variations in L that were consistently accompanied by conserved changes in its co-factor P or the M2-2 protein, suggesting associations and interactions between specific domains of these proteins. Similar associations were seen among sequences of the related human metapneumovirus. These results highlight L as an alternative to other RSV genotyping targets and demonstrate the value of in-depth analyses and annotations of RSV sequences as it can serve as a foundation for subsequent
in vitro
and clinical studies on the efficiency of the polymerase and fitness of different virus isolates.

IMPORTANCE
Given the historical heterogeneity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the disease it causes, there is a need to understand the properties of the circulating RSV strains each season. This information would benefit from an informative and consensus method of genotyping the virus. Here, we carried out a variant analysis that shows a pattern of specific variations among the replication-associated genes of RSV A across different seasons. Interestingly, these variation patterns, which were also seen in human metapneumovirus sequences, point to previously defined interactions of domains within these genes, suggesting co-variation in the replication-associated genes. Our results also suggest a genotyping strategy that can prove to be particularly important in understanding the genotype-phenotype correlation in the era of RSV vaccination, where selective pressure on the virus to evolve is anticipated. More importantly, the categorization of pneumoviruses based on these patterns may be of prognostic value.
Long-read sequencing reveals two chromosomes and one plasmid in
Vibrio
sp. strain MAO6 isolated from a Marine Beach in Fukui, Japan
Authors: Tsukamoto Mao , Machii Yuka , Kataoka Takafumi , Kondo Ryuji 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

A marine bacterium
Vibrio
sp. strain MAO6 was isolated from a marine beach in Fukui, Japan. Its complete genome comprises two circular chromosomes (3,418,677 bp and 1,629,627 bp) and one circular plasmid (299,686 bp).
Systemic and ocular outcomes in TB-immunoreactive patients receiving immunomodulatory therapy for non-infectious uveitis: a case-control study
Authors: Choudhary Balla Shravya , Ali Mohammed Hasnat , Tyagi Mudit , Basu Soumyava 
Published: July 2024

Background
Tuberculosis (TB)-immunoreactivity, measured in vivo (tuberculin skin test (TST)) or in vitro (interferon gamma release assay (IGRA)), can be found in latent, active or even following clearance of TB infection. In this case-control study, we compared the systemic and ocular outcomes between patients with or without TB-immunoreactivity, who received immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) for non-infectious uveitis.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients with (cases) or without (controls) TB-immunoreactivity (TST±IGRA), who received conventional IMT for ≥6 months, for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis. Patients who received prior or concomitant anti-TB therapy were excluded. Systemic and ocular outcomes were compared between both groups.

Results
36 cases and 70 controls (gender-matched and age-matched) were included. New-onset pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB developed in one case and none of the controls. Based on this outcome, the absolute risk increase for systemic TB reactivation was noted to be 0.028 (95% CI 0.005 to 0.051) and the number needed to harm was 36. The incidence of persistent or recurrent (worsening ≥2 grades) intraocular inflammation during IMT was comparable between both groups (cases 18/36, controls 35/70, p=1.0). A change in anatomical site of presentation at recurrence was not seen in any case, but in six controls (p=0.15). No new focal chorio-retinal lesions were noted in either group.

Conclusions
Conventional IMT has a very low risk of systemic TB reactivation, and no additional detrimental effect on ocular outcomes, in TB-immunoreactive patients with non-infectious uveitis.
Novel anthropometric indices are superior adiposity indexes to portend visual impairment in middle-aged and older Chinese population
Authors: Zhou Yifan , Chen Qing , Abuduxukuer KaiweiSa , Wang Chuchu , Dong Jialong , Wang Yiting , Shi Wenming , Hou Yanan , Shi Fei , Luo Jianfeng , Peng Qing 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate differential associations of traditional and novel adiposity indices with visual impairment (VI) in the middle-aged and older Chinese population.Methods and analysisBased on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 7750 Chinese older adults aged over 45 were included at baseline 2011, and 4133 participants who accomplished all three interviews from 2011 to 2015 were adapted for longitudinal analyses. We enrolled six adiposity indices, including the body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI) and conicity index (ConI). Visual status and other covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, medical supports and lifestyle-related factors. Cross-sectional correlations were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. For longitudinal analysis, generalised linear models with generalised estimating equations were used to determine the association between time-varying adiposity and visual status.ResultsHigher levels of WHtR/WWI/ABSI/BRI/ConI were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of VI, whereas a higher BMI was associated with a decreased prevalence of VI. Only WWI was significantly related to the prevalence of VI after adjustment for multiple confounders in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses (all p values <0.05). The multivariable-adjusted OR (95% CI) of VI associated with the highest (vs lowest) quintile of WWI was 1.900 (1.407 to 2.565).ConclusionWWI is a reliable alternative adiposity index that exhibits a dose–response association with the prevalence of VI in the Chinese population. The WWI-VI correlation may eliminate the obesity paradox in the ophthalmic epidemiological area and indicate the detrimental impact of changes in body composition on VI.
Comparative analysis of child injuries in passenger vehicles and school buses: a multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Yu-Na , Kong So Yeon , Jun Joon-Ho , Jeon Seong-Man , Shin In Chan , Park Gwan Jin , Kim Young Min , Chai Hyun Seok , Yeon Je Sun , Jung Woo Chul , Kim Sang Chul 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveThis study investigated the differences in injury profiles and safety device effectiveness among children with road traffic injuries (RTIs) involving passenger vehicles and school buses.MethodsUsing data from the Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance database, this multicentre cross-sectional study investigated the injury profiles of 14 669 children aged 12 years old and younger who experienced RTIs from 2011–2021. Demographic factors, injury distribution, severity and effect of safety device use between RITs involving passenger vehicles and school buses were compared.ResultsRTIs in children most frequently occurred between 12:00 and 18:00 hours (46.9%). School bus-related RTIs peaked during school commute hours, that is, from 06:00 to 12:00 hours, and were associated with a higher prevalence of head (63.1% vs 58.9%, p<0.05) and extremity injuries (upper extremity: 8.0% vs 6.4% and lower extremity: 11.1% vs 7.6 %, p<0.05) compared with those involving passenger vehicles. However, passenger vehicle crashes showed higher proportions of neck and chest injuries, along with injuries requiring hospitalisation and intensive care. Safety devices exhibited preventive effects against head and lower extremity injuries in both vehicle types. While safety devices showed effective in reducing hospital admissions and severe injuries in passenger vehicles, their effectiveness in school buses was not observed.ConclusionThis study highlights the different epidemiology and injury profiles of RTIs among children involving passenger vehicles and school buses. Improved safety devices, particularly in school buses, are necessary to ensure the comprehensive protection of child passengers and reduce the risk of severe injuries during road traffic incidents.
Correction of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and improvement in disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with krill oil concentrate: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Salmon Jane , Wallace Daniel J , Rus Violeta , Cox Addison , Dykas Claire , Williams Brooke , Ding Yunpeng , Hals Petter-Arnt , Johnsen Line , Lipsky Peter E 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a critical role in regulating inflammation and lipid metabolism. This study sought to ascertain the frequency of omega-3 deficiency in patients with SLE and investigate whether supplementation with krill oil concentrate (KOC) could replenish omega-3 levels and decrease SLE disease activity.MethodsA multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in adult patients with active SLE. Eligible patients were randomised to receive 4 g/day KOC or placebo (vegetable oil mixture) for the first 24 weeks, and thereafter patients could opt to enter an open-label extension. The primary end point was improvement of the red blood cell Omega-3 Index from baseline to week 24. Changes in clinical features, including SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) disease activity scores, were also monitored.ResultsSeventy-eight patients met eligibility criteria and were randomised to a treatment group (n=39 per group). The baseline Omega-3 Index in the total SLE cohort was a mean 4.43% (±SD 1.04%). After 4 weeks of KOC treatment, the Omega-3 Index rapidly increased to 7.17%±1.48% (n=38) and after 24 weeks to 8.05%±1.79% (n=25) (each p<0.001 vs baseline), whereas no significant change from baseline was noted in patients receiving placebo. Increases in the Omega-3 Index in KOC-treated patients persisted through week 48. After patients switched from placebo to KOC at 24 weeks, the mean Omega-3 Index showed a rapid and significant increase (from 4.63%±1.39% at week 24 (n=26) to 7.50%±1.75% at week 48 (n=12); p<0.001). Although there were no changes in disease activity in the study population overall, SLEDAI-2K scores decreased significantly in the KOC group during the 24-week randomised period among those who had high disease activity at baseline (SLEDAI-2K ≥9) (p=0.04, p=0.02 and p=0.01 vs placebo at 4, 8 and 16 weeks, respectively; n=9 per group). KOC was well-tolerated, with no significant safety concerns.ConclusionKOC corrected omega-3 deficiency in patients with SLE. Supplementation with KOC was safe and decreased disease activity in those with more active disease. These findings warrant further evaluation of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with KOC in the management of SLE.Trial registration numberNCT03626311.
Assessment of moss-associated biological nitrogen fixation of dominant moss species in mature black spruce forests in Eastern Canada
Authors: Darnajoux Romain , Blasi Charlotte , Monier Pauline Le , Bellenger Jean-Philippe 
Published: July 2024

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by bryophytes is an essential source of new nitrogen in nitrogen-limited boreal ecosystems. This assessment is, however, primarily based on reports from northern Europe and, to a lesser extent, Western North America. A more systematic and extensive evaluation of nitrogen fixation by moss is required to close current gaps in records of moss BNF and better assess the importance of bryophytes on N input in boreal ecosystems. Here, we evaluated nitrogen fixation activity and contribution to N input of dominant bryophyte species in black spruce forests from Eastern Canada. We assessed the relative abundance, BNF activity, and relative contribution to nitrogen input on five sites along a 600 km transect. We report that several moss species contribute to nitrogen input but that Ptilium crista-castrensis is the main contributor. Estimated nitrogen input by mosses (≪ 1 kg·ha−1·year−1) is in the low range of N inputs reported in the literature and is consistent with activities reported elsewhere for similar species, N deposition, and forest age. Results show that atmospheric deposition, while low, remains a more significant source of exogenous N to mature black spruce forests than bryophytes.
High-precision measurement of the atomic mass of $$^{84}\hbox {Sr}$$ and implications to isotope shift studies
Authors: Ge Zhuang , Bai Shiwei , Eronen Tommi , Jokinen Ari , Kankainen Anu , Kujanpää Sonja , Moore Iain , Nesterenko Dmitrii , Reponen Mikael 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe absolute mass of $$^{84}\hbox {Sr}$$

84

Sr

was determined using the phase-imaging ion-cyclotron-resonance technique with the JYFLTRAP double Penning trap mass spectrometer. A more precise value for the mass of $$^{84}\hbox {Sr}$$

84

Sr

is essential for providing potential indications of physics beyond the Standard Model through high-precision isotope shift measurements of Sr atomic transition frequencies. The mass excess of $$^{84}\hbox {Sr}$$

84

Sr

was refined to be $$-80649.229(37) keV/\hbox {c}^2$$

-
80649.229

(
37
)

k
e
V
/

c
2

from high-precision cyclotron-frequency-ratio measurements with a relative precision of $$4.8\times 10^{-10}$$

4.8
×

10

-
10

. The obtained mass-excess value is in agreement with the adopted value in the Atomic Mass Evaluation 2020, but is 30 times more precise. With this new value, we confirm the previously observed nonlinearity in the study of the isotope shift of strontium. Moreover, the double-beta ($$2\beta ^{+}$$

2

β
+

) decay Q value of $$^{84}\hbox {Sr}$$

84

Sr

was directly determined to be 1790.115(37) keV, and the precision was improved by a factor of 30.