bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removal of oil spills from aqueous systems by polymer sorbents
Authors: Hailan S. M. , Krupa I. , McKay G. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This review deals with the applicability of polymeric sorbents in removing spilled free oil from water surfaces. The theoretical framework covers the sorption ability of polymeric materials in general, respecting their size and morphology; however, the main focus is on polyolefins, primarily various grades of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), including PE and PP waste. The core motivation associated with recycling polyethylene LDPE is the low interest in plastic convertors and the limited marketability of these commodities. The scientific focus in this area is on the development of new products having at least two general features: i) a specific application that does not require high mechanical performance, and ii) the material has a unique functionality that is not significantly influenced by using a recyclate against the use of the pristine polymer. Recycled polyolefins fully satisfied these requirements. This review pays special attention to the theoretical aspects of polymeric sorbents. Specific features of sorbents are analyzed depending on their geometry and morphology, involving powders, membranes/mats, and 3D foams (sponges)/gels. The wettability and sorption mechanisms regarding the chemical composition of materials, their surface topology, and internal porosity are discussed in detail. The presented manuscript emphasizes the close connection between materials’ behavior and properties, which is crucial for efficient oil/water separation and the theoretical modeling of adsorption and absorption processes. The focus on the physical aspects of materials from a theoretical point of view is highlighted, enabling a complex understanding of the oil/water separation processes.
Correlation of tracer uptake in sentinel lymph nodes as measured on SPECT/CT and during intra-operative gamma tracing with SENSEI: the UZ Leuven experience
Authors: Manley Martin , Jentjens Sander , De Wever Liesbeth , Deroose Christophe M. , Everaerts Wouter , Goffin Karolien 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This retrospective analysis aims to study the relationship between tracer uptake in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) as measured on SPECT/CT and during intra-operative gamma tracing with a drop-in gamma probe (SENSEI®) in patients who participated in the UZ Leuven cohort of a prospective multicentre clinical trial evaluating the SENSEI® probe for minimally-invasive SLN biopsy (SLNB) in prostate cancer. Correlation of pre- and intraoperative imaging can allow for improved surgical planning, providing important information to guide intraoperative findings.

Methods
Nine patients with histologically proven prostate cancer scheduled for radical prostatectomy (RP) with extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) were prospectively selected for preoperative lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT/CT the day before surgery after intra-prostatic injection of 240 MBq of 99mTc-nanocolloid under ultrasound guidance. SLNB was performed with the SENSEI® drop-in gamma probe during standard of care RP with ePLND. SLN detection and counts on SPECT/CT and in vivo and ex vivo probe measurements were compared.

Results
The patient-based detection rate of at least one SLN was 100% on SPECT/CT and 100% intraoperatively with the drop-in gamma probe. In total, 29 SLNs were detected with the probe and 32 SLNs on SPECT/CT. The correlation between SPECT/CT counts and in vivo and ex vivo probe measurements was significant but moderate (Pearson r = 0.57, p = 0.002 and r = 0.64, p = 0.0003, respectively).

Conclusions
Drop-in gamma probe measurements showed a moderate correlation with the SPECT/CT counts. SPECT/CT uptake values can be used as an estimate for in vivo detection of SLNs with the probe.
Carburization Behavior of High-Grade Pellets After Direct Reduction in Pure Hydrogen
Authors: Perrone Angelo , Cavaliere Pasquale , Sadeghi Behzad , Dijon L. , Laska A. , Koszelow D. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCarburization is a critical aspect in the iron and steel industry as it significantly affects the mechanical and chemical properties of the final product. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the carburization potential of high-grade quality iron ore pellets after direct reduction in pure hydrogen. The results show that the porosity of the pellets has a significant impact on the efficiency and success of the direct reduction process with hydrogen. The reduction process can be completed at a lower temperature in pure hydrogen compared to carbon monoxide, with the iron carbide concentration peaking at temperatures up to 500 °C before decreasing with further temperature increases. The uniform distribution of SiO2, Al2O3, and CaO is critical to the carburizing process and affects the final properties of the steel. An increased degree of metallization and porosity are associated with an improved carburizing tendency. This study highlights the intricate interplay between temperature, carbon sources, and the resulting equilibrium concentration of iron carbides and provides insights into the complex dynamics of this phenomenon.
Graphical Abstract
The insights of allied health professionals transitioning from a matrix structure to a centralized profession-based structure within a public hospital setting
Authors: Turato Gemma , Whiteoak John , Oprescu Florin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo manage the challenges associated with increasing costs and demand for healthcare, administrators often propose a re-structure of the workforce to gain more efficiencies. However, this can have detrimental impacts on professions such as allied health if the uniqueness of this workforce is not taken into consideration before, during and after re-structuring. In the dynamic setting of public hospital bed-based services, allied health is highly complex, consisting of diverse professionals (e.g., audiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, pharmacy, dietetics, social work, and speech pathology), each requiring different technical expertise, training pathways, professional governance, and accountability. This case study evaluates the outcomes of a re-structure of allied health professionals working in bed-based services who transitioned from a matrix to a centralized structure of service delivery. Qualitative data were collected in a survey across three years to gain the perceptions from allied health staff about the impacts of the new structure. The results demonstrated that a centralized profession-based structure with single points of accountability was superior to a matrix structure in this context. The benefits identified included improved governance, administration efficiencies and cost-savings gained by having the budget and professional management aligned. This resulted in improved workforce planning and flexibility that delivered care to patients based on clinical priority. Further benefits included professional skills training pathways and succession planning across clinical specialties which enhanced career opportunities, all of which improved wellbeing and morale. These findings add to the sparse research pertaining to the components (structural, human and systems) to consider when incorporating allied health professionals in a proposed organizational design and the contingencies they require to operate successfully within certain contexts.
Optimizing pH for Soil Enzyme Assays Reveals Important Biochemical Functions in Low pH Soil
Authors: Fraser Tandra D. , Duddigan Sarah , Diaz Anita , Green Iain , Tibbett Mark 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSoil enzyme assays are often used as indicators of potential biological functions. The objective of this study was to understand enzyme activity across a range of soil pH. Soils (0–15 cm) were collected from a heathland restoration project (established 1999) on the Isle of Purbeck, UK with treatments of elemental sulphur or ferrous sulphate compared to a control, acid grassland and heathland. Enzyme assays were conducted using fluorescent substrates for β-1,4-glucosidase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) and phosphatase with a range of buffer pH from 3.0 to 12.0. Differences in soil pH were still evident with the control (pH 5.3) and ferrous sulphate (pH 5.2) significantly higher than elemental sulphur (pH 4.5), acid grassland (pH 4.3) and heathland (pH 4.0). The optimum buffer pH for enzyme assays varied from pH 3-4.5 for β-glucosidase, pH 4–5 for NAG and pH 4–6 for phosphatase. Comparisons using a standard MUB pH resulted in different conclusions compared to optimum pH. For example, β-glucosidase activity at pH 5 for the control was significantly higher than elemental sulphur, acid grassland, and heathland. However, there were no differences when the pH optimums were considered. Comparisons of phosphatase activity at MUB pH 6.5 resulted in higher activity in the control plots compared to the heathland, despite the heathland soils showing the highest activity at optimum buffer pH. By examining the relationships between soil pH, enzyme activity, and assay conditions, this study highlights the importance of optimizing pH in enzyme assays when comparing diverse soil types.
The promise of machine learning in violent conflict forecasting
Authors: Murphy Max , Sharpe Ezra , Huang Kayla 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn 2022, the world experienced the deadliest year of armed conflict since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Much of the intensity and frequency of recent conflicts has drawn more attention to failures in forecasting—that is, a failure to anticipate conflicts. Such capabilities have the potential to greatly reduce the time, motivation, and opportunities peacemakers have to intervene through mediation or peacekeeping operations. In recent years, the growth in the volume of open-source data coupled with the wide-scale advancements in machine learning suggests that it may be possible for computational methods to help the international community forecast intrastate conflict more accurately, and in doing so reduce the rise of conflict. In this commentary, we argue for the promise of conflict forecasting under several technical and policy conditions. From a technical perspective, the success of this work depends on improvements in the quality of conflict-related data and an increased focus on model interpretability. In terms of policy implementation, we suggest that this technology should be used primarily to aid policy analysis heuristically and help identify unexpected conflicts.
Geometry Effects on Interfacial Dynamics of Gas‐Driven Drainage in a Gradient Capillary
Authors: Suo Si , O’Kiely Doireann , Liu Mingchao , Gan Yixiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUnfavorable fluid‐fluid displacement, where a low‐viscosity fluid displaces a higher‐viscosity fluid in permeable media, is commonly encountered in various subsurface processes. Understanding the formation and evolution of the resulting interfacial instability can have practical benefits for engineering applications. Using gradient capillary tubes as surrogate models of permeable media, we numerically investigate interfacial dynamics during gas‐driven drainage. Our focus is on understanding the impact of tube geometry on interface stability. In a gradient tube, since the interface shape changes during the drainage process, we measure interfacial stability using the difference between the contact‐line velocity Ucl and the meniscus tip velocity Utip. We define instability as a rapid reduction in the contact line velocity Ucl compared to the tip velocity Utip. Beyond the onset of this instability, gas penetrates into the liquid, forming a finger, and entraining a liquid film on the tube wall. The observed stability transition can be rationalized to a large extent by adaptation of an existing theory for cylindrical tubes in terms of a critical capillary number Cacrit. For an expanding tube, simulations suggest that a stability transition from an initially unstable meniscus to a final stable one, with Ucl catching up with Utip, can occur if the local capillary number is initially slightly larger than Cacrit and then drops below Cacrit. The insights gained from this study can be beneficial in estimating the mode and efficiency of subsurface fluid displacement.
First Results of Airborne GNSS Radio Occultation Sounding From Airbus Commercial Aircraft
Authors: Xie Feiqin , Nelson Kevin J. , Chan Bryan C. , Goel Ashish , Kosh Jonathan , Vergalla Mike 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe lack of high vertical resolution atmospheric thermodynamic structure observations inside or near major weather events impedes our understanding of physical processes and their predictability in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. Airborne Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (airborne radio occultation [ARO]) has proven to be a viable remote sensing option to offer dense soundings near flight tracks. The global fleet of commercial aircraft already equipped with GNSS receivers could be leveraged to produce an unprecedented number of ARO soundings along global flight paths. Eleven cases of atmospheric bending angle and refractivity profiles were successfully retrieved and compared with the colocated European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting global reanalysis data. Good quality measurements are obtained with median refractivity differences less than 1% in the middle and upper troposphere, between 5.5 and 11.5 km. Given the use of aircraft data (e.g., Aircraft Meteorological DAta Relay) for data assimilation, incorporating ARO profiles would be a valuable addition, further enhancing the accuracy of aviation and weather forecasts.
Circulating miRNA panels as a novel non-invasive diagnostic, prognostic, and potential predictive biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Abdipourbozorgbaghi Maryam , Vancura Adrienne , Radpour Ramin , Haefliger Simon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterised by its aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Early detection and accurate prediction of therapeutic responses remain critical for improving patient outcomes. In the present study, we investigated the potential of circulating microRNA (miRNA) as non-invasive biomarkers in patients with NSCLC.

Methods
We quantified miRNA expression in plasma from 122 participants (78 NSCLC; 44 healthy controls). Bioinformatic tools were employed to identify miRNA panels for accurate NSCLC diagnosis. Validation was performed using an independent publicly available dataset of more than 4000 NSCLC patients. Next, we correlated miRNA expression with clinicopathological information to identify independent prognostic miRNAs and those predictive of anti-PD-1 treatment response.

Results
We identified miRNA panels for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) diagnosis. The LUAD panel consists of seven circulating miRNAs (miR-9-3p, miR-96-5p, miR-147b-3p, miR-196a-5p, miR-708-3p, miR-708-5p, miR-4652-5p), while the LUSC panel comprises nine miRNAs (miR-130b-3p, miR-269-3p, miR-301a-5p, miR-301b-5p, miR-744-3p, miR-760, miR-767-5p, miR-4652-5p, miR-6499-3p). Additionally, miR-135b-5p, miR-196a-5p, miR-31-5p (LUAD), and miR-205 (LUSC) serve as independent prognostic markers for survival. Furthermore, two miRNA clusters, namely miR-183/96/182 and miR-767/105, exhibit predictive potential in anti-PD-1-treated LUAD patients.

Conclusions
Circulating miRNA signatures demonstrate diagnostic and prognostic value for NSCLC and may guide treatment decisions in clinical practice.
Potassium channel TASK-5 forms functional heterodimers with TASK-1 and TASK-3 to break its silence
Authors: Rinné Susanne , Schick Florian , Vowinkel Kirsty , Schütte Sven , Krasel Cornelius , Kauferstein Silke , Schäfer Martin K.-H. , Kiper Aytug K. , Müller Thomas , Decher Niels 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTASK-5 (KCNK15) belongs to the acid-sensitive subfamily of two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels, which includes TASK-1 and TASK-3. TASK-5 stands out as K2P channel for which there is no functional data available, since it was reported in 2001 as non-functional and thus “silent”. Here we show that TASK-5 channels are indeed non-functional as homodimers, but are involved in the formation of functional channel complexes with TASK-1 and TASK-3. TASK-5 negatively modulates the surface expression of TASK channels, while the heteromeric TASK-5-containing channel complexes located at the plasma membrane are characterized by changes in single-channel conductance, Gq-coupled receptor-mediated channel inhibition, and sensitivity to TASK modulators. The unique pharmacology of TASK-1/TASK-5 heterodimers, affected by a common polymorphism in KCNK15, needs to be carefully considered in the future development of drugs targeting TASK channels. Our observations provide an access to study TASK-5 at the functional level, particularly in malignant cancers associated with KCNK15.
Cooperative dynamic polaronic picture of diamond color centers
Authors: Ichikawa Takuto , Guo Junjie , Fons Paul , Prananto Dwi , An Toshu , Hase Muneaki 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPolarons can control carrier mobility and can also be used in the design of quantum devices. Although much effort has been directed into investigating the nature of polarons, observation of defect-related polarons is challenging due to electron-defect scattering. Here we explore the polaronic behavior of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in a diamond crystal using an ultrafast pump-probe technique. A 10-fs optical pulse acts as a source of high electric field exceeding the dielectric breakdown threshold, in turn exerting a force on the NV charge distribution and polar optical phonons. The electronic and phononic responses are enhanced by an order of magnitude for a low density of NV centers, which we attribute to a combination of cooperative polaronic effects and scattering by defects. First-principles calculations support the presence of dipolar Fröhlich interaction via non-zero Born effective charges. Our findings provide insights into the physics of color centers in diamonds.
Bragg grating etalon-based optical fiber for ultrasound and optoacoustic detection
Authors: La Tai Anh , Ülgen Okan , Shnaiderman Rami , Ntziachristos Vasilis 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFiber-based interferometers receive significant interest as they lead to miniaturization of optoacoustic and ultrasound detectors without the quadratic loss of sensitivity common to piezoelectric elements. Nevertheless, in contrast to piezoelectric crystals, current fiber-based ultrasound detectors operate with narrow ultrasound bandwidth which limits the application range and spatial resolution achieved in imaging implementations. We port the concept of silicon waveguide etalon detection to optical fibers using a sub-acoustic reflection terminator to a Bragg grating embedded etalon resonator (EER), uniquely implementing direct and forward-looking access to incoming ultrasound waves. Precise fabrication of the terminator is achieved by continuously recording the EER spectrum during polishing and fitting the spectra to a theoretically calculated spectrum for the selected thickness. Characterization of the EER inventive design reveals a small aperture (10.1 µm) and an ultra-wide bandwidth (160 MHz) that outperforms other fiber resonators and enables an active detection area and overall form factor that is smaller by more than an order of magnitude over designs based on piezoelectric transducers. We discuss how the EER paves the way for the most adept fiber-based miniaturized sound detection today, circumventing the limitations of currently available designs.
Selective oxidation of methane to C2+ products over Au-CeO2 by photon-phonon co-driven catalysis
Authors: Wang Chao , Xu Youxun , Xiong Lunqiao , Li Xiyi , Chen Enqi , Miao Tina Jingyan , Zhang Tianyu , Lan Yang , Tang Junwang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDirect methane conversion to high-value chemicals under mild conditions is attractive yet challenging due to the inertness of methane and the high reactivity of valuable products. This work presents an efficient and selective strategy to achieve direct methane conversion through the oxidative coupling of methane over a visible-responsive Au-loaded CeO2 by photon-phonon co-driven catalysis. A record-high ethane yield of 755 μmol h−1 (15,100 μmol g−1 h−1) and selectivity of 93% are achieved under optimised reaction conditions, corresponding to an apparent quantum efficiency of 12% at 365 nm. Moreover, the high activity of the photocatalyst can be maintained for at least 120 h without noticeable decay. The pre-treatment of the catalyst at relatively high temperatures introduces oxygen vacancies, which improves oxygen adsorption and activation. Furthermore, Au, serving as a hole acceptor, facilitates charge separation, inhibits overoxidation and promotes the C-C coupling reaction. All these enhance photon efficiency and product yield.
Histone H3.3 lysine 9 and 27 control repressive chromatin at cryptic enhancers and bivalent promoters
Authors: Trovato Matteo , Bunina Daria , Yildiz Umut , Fernandez-Novel Marx Nadine , Uckelmann Michael , Levina Vita , Perez Yekaterina , Janeva Ana , Garcia Benjamin A. , Davidovich Chen , Zaugg Judith B. , Noh Kyung-Min 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHistone modifications are associated with distinct transcriptional states, but it is unclear whether they instruct gene expression. To investigate this, we mutate histone H3.3 K9 and K27 residues in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Here, we find that H3.3K9 is essential for controlling specific distal intergenic regions and for proper H3K27me3 deposition at promoters. The H3.3K9A mutation resulted in decreased H3K9me3 at regions encompassing endogenous retroviruses and induced a gain of H3K27ac and nascent transcription. These changes in the chromatin environment unleash cryptic enhancers, resulting in the activation of distinctive transcriptional programs and culminating in protein expression normally restricted to specialized immune cell types. The H3.3K27A mutant disrupts the deposition and spreading of the repressive H3K27me3 mark, particularly impacting bivalent genes with higher basal levels of H3.3 at promoters. Therefore, H3.3K9 and K27 crucially orchestrate repressive chromatin states at cis-regulatory elements and bivalent promoters, respectively, and instruct proper transcription in mESCs.
Tail assembly interference is a common strategy in bacterial antiviral defenses
Authors: He Lingchen , Miguel-Romero Laura , Patkowski Jonasz B. , Alqurainy Nasser , Rocha Eduardo P. C. , Costa Tiago R. D. , Fillol-Salom Alfred , Penadés José R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMany bacterial immune systems recognize phage structural components to activate antiviral responses, without inhibiting the function of the phage component. These systems can be encoded in specific chromosomal loci, known as defense islands, and in mobile genetic elements such as prophages and phage-inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs). Here, we identify a family of bacterial immune systems, named Tai (for ‘tail assembly inhibition’), that is prevalent in PICIs, prophages and P4-like phage satellites. Tai systems protect their bacterial host population from other phages by blocking the tail assembly step, leading to the release of tailless phages incapable of infecting new hosts. To prevent autoimmunity, some Tai-positive phages have an associated counter-defense mechanism that is expressed during the phage lytic cycle and allows for tail formation. Interestingly, the Tai defense and counter-defense genes are organized in a non-contiguous operon, enabling their coordinated expression.